Doctors threaten strike in three counties over unmet agreements

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to mobilize a doctors’ strike in Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties if authorities fail to implement agreed-upon reforms in the health sector by May 24, 2025.

After its South Rift Annual General Meeting held in Nakuru, the union announced it had issued a red notice to the three counties for breaching the Return-to-Work formula and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that had been put in place to address persistent challenges affecting healthcare workers.

Speaking at the meeting, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah made it clear that the union would no longer tolerate delays in the implementation of the agreements.

"Let it be clear: We will no longer wait for justice; we will enforce it. Counties must act. Healthcare cannot be held hostage by inaction," he stated.

The agreements in question were meant to address a number of issues, including delayed payments, lack of promotions, and poor working conditions, which have affected the delivery of health services across the counties.

Dr. Atellah emphasized that doctors in Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado had waited long enough for the county governments to fulfill their part of the bargain and insisted that the deadline would not be extended.

During the event, the union also took time to acknowledge the positive steps taken by the Ministry of Health since the recent appointment of Aden Duale as Cabinet Secretary.

Dr. Atellah praised the CS for acting swiftly to tackle some of the issues raised by healthcare workers.

"We commend the progress made, particularly on arrears, internship placements, postgraduate training, promotions, and medical insurance. We acknowledge the Ministry of Health's renewed momentum under the new CS in resolving long-standing issues," he stated.

Since taking office, Duale has met with union leaders to discuss matters such as the posting of medical interns and the payment of pending dues.

The meeting, which took place on April 10, 2025, ended with a joint commitment to resolve the problems within two weeks.

“We expect this matter to be resolved within two weeks,” Dr. Atellah said at the time.

The Health CS later announced that medical interns would begin their placements on July 1, 2025.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) will be in charge of the posting process.

The union has welcomed this development, viewing it as a sign of goodwill from the national government and a step in the right direction.

However, the counties that have not complied with the earlier agreements remain a concern.

KMPDU has said that unless the county governments involved make immediate efforts to comply, health services in those areas will be disrupted due to industrial action.