A Wajir-based medical doctor has finally begun his journey to pursue a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology at the University of Nairobi, following a recent favourable High Court ruling.

Dr. Sadik Abdille sued the Wajir County Government, the Wajir County Public Service Board, the County Secretary, the County Executive Committee Member for Health, and the County Chief Officer for Medical Services after his request for study leave was blocked.

The High Court issued an interim ruling on 14 August 2025, granting him the opportunity to further his studies.

“Yes, the court ruled in my favour and directed that I be granted study leave. This means I am now able to proceed with my postgraduate training as scheduled,” Dr. Sadik told Wajir Today.

Despite this legal victory, Dr. Sadik expressed frustration over conditions imposed by the county, which he says contradict the court’s ruling.

“I received a communication from the County Government following the ruling. However, the letter attempted to vary the spirit of the court’s decision by granting me unpaid study leave, even though my colleagues have been released on fully paid study leave,” he said.

He further alleged that the county’s actions amounted to discrimination.

“They have purported to send me on unpaid study leave and simultaneously terminated my salary, which was never the intention of the court. In comparison, other doctors with fewer years of service than me were released on paid study leave.”

Dr. Sadik described the ordeal as a painful journey that undermines his employment and constitutional rights, while acknowledging the court’s rulling.

“While I am grateful that the court upheld my right to pursue further studies, I feel that the County Government’s actions after the ruling amount to victimisation for daring to seek justice. I believe no one should be punished for exercising their constitutional rights,” he said.

Court records show that Dr. Sadik filed the case on 6 August 2025, challenging the county’s decision to deny him study leave. High Court Judge Justice Njagi Marete later ordered the Wajir County Government to release him to pursue his studies.

Dr. Sadik, who has served under permanent and pensionable terms with the Wajir County Government since October 2018 in Job Group M, lamented that he has never been promoted during his tenure.

Attempts to reach county administration for their comments about the case has not been fruitful.