The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has vowed that doctors will not back down from holding street protests despite a tongue-lashing by President William Ruto.

President Ruto on Sunday told doctors that their demands are not feasible, noting the country is struggling with a huge wage bill and doctors will only receive what will be made available.

“We mind them (doctors), we value the service they give to the nation, but we must live within our means. The resources we have are only sufficient to pay Ksh.70,000 for intern doctors. It is not a salary, it is only a stipend for one year then they will be employed,” he said. 

Minutes after Ruto's declaration, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said they will not accept to be the "scapegoats for wage bill reduction" and their demands still remain on the table.

"Despite government pressure, doctors' salaries, anchored on CBA, are non-negotiable. We won't compromise on fair compensation for our hard work. It's unjust to target us for wage bill control while state officers enjoy hefty paychecks," he wrote on X.

"We stand united against exploitation."

Last week the government made a Ksh.2.4 billion offer to doctors which was set to help iron out the ongoing standoff and allow for the posting of all eligible medical student interns.

The doctors rejected the offer as KMPDU Chairman Abi Mwachi and Secretary General Davji Atellah argued that it has not fully honored the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

SG Atellah has announced that the strike will continue, with a march on Tuesday, April 9. This will mark the 4th week since doctors downed tools on March 14.