A Nairobi court has blocked the takeover of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) by the military pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
On Monday, Judge Ocharo Kibera of the Employment and Labour Relations Court also blocked Kemsa from sacking 900 of its “non-core” workers.
The union is opposed to the government’s plans to enlist officers from the National Youth Service (NYS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to oversee operations at the graft-ridden agency.
“A conservatory order is issued restricting Kenya Medical Suppliers Authority (KEMSA), Ministry of Health and Attorney General from declaring redundant, terminating the services of KEMSA members of staff and enlisting or employing active members of Kenya Defence Forces and National Youth Service (NYS) to take up positions occupied by those members pending hearing and determination of the application inter-partes,” ruled Justice Kibera.
The union also argued that KEMSA did not follow due process while making the said decision nor were stakeholders including the ministry of health consulted.
The case will be mentioned on November 16.
A Nakuru-based doctor Mageri Gikenyi Benjamin has also challenged the takeover of the state agency by the military.
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