VIHIGA: Oct 27, 2026
Doctors in Vihiga County have resolved to intensify efforts to address longstanding employment grievances following a Kamukunji meeting held at Vihiga County Teaching and Referral Hospital (VCTRH).
During the meeting, members agreed to reactivate the Strike Management Committee, working closely with the KMPDU Western Branch leadership, to pursue immediate engagement with the County Government and seek an audience with H.E. the Governor. The move comes as preparations for possible industrial action continue, alongside efforts to secure an amicable resolution to the outstanding issues.
Doctors Outline Outstanding Employment Grievances
The Kamukunji provided a platform for members to deliberate on persistent concerns affecting their welfare, career progression, and working conditions. The outstanding issues identified include:
Non-implementation of CBA salary adjustments and arrears: Doctors are seeking implementation of agreed basic salary adjustments and payment of outstanding arrears.
Overdue promotions: Members have raised concerns over delayed promotions, which affect career progression and professional development.
Inadequate doctor staffing: The County Government is being urged to recruit additional doctors to address the acute shortage and support effective healthcare delivery.
Lack of comprehensive medical cover: Doctors have highlighted the absence of comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
Denial of study leave: Members have raised concerns over the denial of study leave, which is essential for continued professional development and advancement.
KMPDU maintains that these concerns require urgent attention and concrete action by the County Government to safeguard doctors’ welfare and strengthen the delivery of healthcare services to residents.
Strike Management Committee Reactivated
In response to the unresolved grievances, members resolved to reactivate the Strike Management Committee to coordinate the next steps in consultation with the Branch Leadership.
The committee is expected to support efforts to secure immediate physical engagements with the County Government and facilitate a meeting with the Governor. These engagements are intended to provide an opportunity for the parties to address the outstanding issues and pursue a resolution before the situation escalates.
The Union continues to emphasise the importance of constructive dialogue and good-faith engagement in resolving labour disputes. However, members have expressed concern over the prolonged nature of the grievances and the lack of satisfactory progress towards resolving them.
Union Awaits Strike Notice as Efforts for Resolution Continue
According to Dr. Joseph Makomere, Chairman of KMPDU Western Branch, members are awaiting the Secretary General’s strike notice on 1 November 2026 as preparations for possible industrial action continue.
The Branch leadership has expressed deep concern over what it considers persistent hostility towards doctors and their legitimate concerns in Vihiga County. The continued failure to resolve the outstanding issues through dialogue, the Union maintains, risks leaving industrial action as the only meaningful avenue for addressing the labour dispute.
KMPDU remains committed to pursuing an amicable resolution through engagement with the County Government. Nevertheless, the Union expects the outstanding grievances to receive urgent attention and translate into tangible action.
The priority remains clear: resolve outstanding employment grievances, uphold doctors’ rights and welfare, and establish working conditions that support effective healthcare delivery in Vihiga County.
Dr. Joseph Makomere
Chairman, KMPDU Western Branch
