The standoff is over—or so City Hall hopes. After nearly a month of paralyzed wards and desperate patients, the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) has issued a stern 12-hour ultimatum to striking doctors and clinical officers: return to work immediately or face disciplinary action.

The directive, issued on Thursday evening by County Executive for Health Suzanne Silantoi, claims that the county has met the irreducible minimums demanded by the unions. The strike, which has dragged on for 27 days, has left thousands of Nairobians without access to critical public healthcare, forcing the poor to seek expensive private alternatives or suffer at home.

"We Have Paid Up"

Governor Sakaja’s administration is moving from negotiation to enforcement. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-3)In a detailed statement, the county outlined the concessions it has made to end the stalemate.

• Permanent Terms: The county claims that 98% of health workers previously on precarious contracts have now been confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms—a key demand of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
• Money on the Table: A supplementary budget of KSh 424 million has been allocated specifically to clear promotion arrears. Additionally, all statutory deductions and salaries are reportedly up to date.
• Medical Cover: The administration announced the rollout of a comprehensive medical cover under the new SHA Civil Servants Scheme, addressing the irony of uninsured health workers treating the sick.

The Human Cost

While the paperwork may be signed, the trust deficit remains. Union officials have previously accused the county of making empty promises. However, the tone from City Hall suggests patience has run out. "The politicization of patient lives must end," Silantoi stated. "We have done our part; it is time for the medics to do theirs."

For the mothers waiting at Pumwani Maternity and the casualties at Mama Lucy Hospital, the politics matter little. They simply need the doors to open and the doctors to be there. The clock is ticking on the 12-hour notice, and Friday morning will reveal whether the white coats will return or if the standoff will escalate into a firing spree.