Labour court blocks hiring of Tanzanian doctors
The Employment and Labour Relations Court has temporarily stopped the government from hiring foreign doctors.
Justice Nelson Abuodha issued the order after five Kenyan doctors sued to stop the State from hiring 500 doctors from Tanzania.
They argue there are trained medics in the country who are unemployed.
Doctors Kahindi, Teddy Menza, Yunas Mohammed Shee, Lilian Nyambeki Magara, Victor Muia Mutisya and Aldran Flavian Liguyani sued the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, the Public Service Commission and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board.
The five also want the court to issue orders compelling the government to absorb 1,400 medical practitioners who are currently jobless but are trained and qualified.
The doctors want the State completely blocked from hiring foreign doctors as well as other medical practitioners.
The decision to hire Tanzanian doctors was made after senior Ministry of Health officials from Kenya led by Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu held talks with President John Magufuli.
President Magufuli said his government accepted Kenya’s request for Tanzanian doctors due to the cordial relationship between the two countries.
Following the deal, Tanzania invited doctors to apply for the positions. Successful applicants will get a two year contract.
