Top news items in Kenyan media outlets

The following are news highlights in major Kenyan media outlets on Wednesday.

-- Talks to end medical workers industrial action that has paralysed Kenya's public health sector hit a snag as doctors and the government maintain their hard-line positions.

The government wants the doctors to accept a return-to-work formula while the medics are pushing for the implementation of their 2013 collective bargaining agreement.

At least eight patients have died following the strike that enters its third day today. The government has assured citizens that it is working overtime to resolve the standoff but it seems there is no solution in sight, with the Health secretary on Tuesday accusing the nurses and doctors of insincerity while the medics claiming the government was playing cat and mouse games with the issue. (Daily Nation)

-- Opposition's quest to unite ahead of next year's August polls in bid to remove ruling coalition Jubilee from power moves to reality as leader Raila Odinga reveals talks to form a national alliance are at an advanced stage. (The Standard)

-- The government postpones vaccination of some 10 million children against deadly polio disease due to ongoing doctors and nurses strike. The vaccine was to be administered to children in 15-high risk regions between Dec. 10 and 14. (The Star).

-- Business confidence among Kenyan firms fall in November compared to the previous month on the back of credit access concerns and high cost of input, a new poll reveals. (Business Daily)

-- Cruise ships with tens of tourists docks at the Kenyan Coast raising hope for good business for players in the sector ahead of December holiday. (People Daily) Endit