April 6, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today's happenings.
Health crisis
The health crisis in Kenya deepened as clinicians joined doctors who have been on strike for three weeks now.
Today marks day six of the clinicians' strike. Clinical officers began their strike on April 1, 2024.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) on Friday reaffirmed that their strike which began on Monday is still on despite what they termed as intimidation and threats.
KUCO however confirmed that negotiations with the Ministry of Health had resumed.
Clinicians lamented that counties are yet to come to the negotiating table despite several orders by the courts to have the parties resolve the matters raised.
“We have since resumed negotiations with the Ministry of Health and we parties have agreed on the negotiations’ roadmap geared towards a lasting resolution of this matter,” KUCO SG George Gibore said.
Clinical officers are demanding that the national and county governments issue confirmation letters on permanent and pensionable terms to UHC staff hired during the Covid-19 period and to national TB programme clinicians and all members currently on contractual terms.
They also want the national government and counties to recruit more than 20,000 unemployed and qualified clinical officers to cover the existing shortage.
The union also demands the government provide comprehensive medical cover for all actively serving clinical officers in the public sector so they can access services wherever they need them.
Meanwhile, the doctors' strike enters day 24 today.
Doctors have been on strike since March 14 over pay and working conditions.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacist and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Friday announced a scheduled demo slated for Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
"KMPDU extends a nationwide invitation to all Doctors, Medical Interns, and Medical Students to join us in peaceful demonstrations on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Let's unite our voices to advocate for the rights of doctors and strive for improved healthcare standards for Kenyans," KMPDU said.
KMPDU extends a nationwide invitation to all Doctors, Medical Interns, and Medical Students to join us in peaceful demonstrations on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Let's unite our voices to advocate for the rights of doctors and strive for improved healthcare standards for Kenyans. pic.twitter.com/rtEuNxKbuV— KMPDU (@kmpdu) April 5, 2024
Scheduled blackout
Kenya Power announced a scheduled power outage that will affect two counties today.
The outage, resulting from routine maintenance, will run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, according to the utility firm.
The blackout will affect parts of Busia and Bungoma counties.
Weatherman
The Kenya Meteorological Department announced rain is anticipated across different parts of the country over the coming days.
Heavy downpours are expected today to April 8, especially in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Southeast Lowlands, Coast, Northeast, and Northwest regions, which are all likely to experience heavy rains.
The weather department warned of high temperatures in certain counties.
Places such as Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale are expected to face high average daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C.
City residents are expected to take extra precautions given how heavy rains affect traffic movements and the danger they pose to life through flooding.
