Cuban doctors: Unemployed medics file suit stopping hiring

The High Court in Nairobi has issued conservatory orders stopping the government from deploying Cuban doctors.

Justice Onesmus Makau of the Employment and Labour Relations Court gave the order on Wednesday further barring the 50 Cuban doctors from beginning work.

The Cuban doctors, who landed on Monday, will have to wait for the hearing and determination of the suit.

In a petition filed by Conrad Maloba and Asociates on behalf of three unemployed doctors, it was argued that Kenyan doctors should be given priority, in line with the national values stated in the Constitution.

Through their lawyer Anangwe Maloba, the petitioners;  Samwel Nduati, Reuel Maina and Francis Thuku, indicated that they are suitably trained yet their efforts for employment at public medical facilities have been in vain.

“The Kenyan Laws specifically prohibit the issuance of work permits to non-Kenyans except upon compliance with mandatory statutory provisions with the principle objective of protecting Kenyans with respect to resident employment opportunities,” they said.

Their lawyer noted that Kenyans should be at the top of the hierarchy when it comes to considerations for employment opportunities in the country.

According to him, the Cuban doctors will get better remuneration packages yet their skills are not superior, a situation he termed as discriminatory.

The doctors told court that the respondents are obliged to consider the availability of skilled Kenyans before going for Cuban medics.

Respondents in the suit include among others the Health Cabinet Secretary, the Public Service Commission and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).