Unless the outstanding salary adjustments are fully reflected in doctors’ payslips within the 21-day notice period, doctors working in the affected counties will down their tools on 25 November 2026.
An Existing Commitment, Not a New Demand
KMPDU has emphasised that the salary adjustments are not a new demand or a fresh negotiation. They are existing commitments backed by a Return-to-Work Formula, a court order and a subsequent addendum.
According to the Union, the affected county governments have had the necessary funds, the directive and a three-month grace period to implement the adjustments. Despite these provisions and the time allowed, the 17 counties remain non-compliant.
The Union is therefore demanding full and unconditional implementation of the agreed salary adjustments, without further delays or attempts to reopen matters that have already been settled.
The 17 Non-Compliant Counties
The county governments yet to implement the agreed basic salary adjustments are:
Murang’a
Nyandarua
Nyeri
Kirinyaga
Kiambu
Lamu
Taita-Taveta
Tana River
Machakos
Makueni
Laikipia
Narok
Kajiado
Embu
Isiolo
Meru
Vihiga
KMPDU calls upon the leadership of these counties to take immediate action and ensure that the outstanding adjustments are processed and reflected in doctors’ payslips within the stipulated notice period.
21 Days to Honour the Agreement
The 21-day notice provides the affected county governments with a final opportunity to comply with their obligations before the planned industrial action.
KMPDU maintains that negotiated agreements must be respected and implemented. Return-to-Work Formulas, court orders and subsequent agreements cannot be treated as optional commitments. Their implementation is essential to maintaining trust in collective bargaining and constructive labour relations.
The Union recognizes the impact that industrial action can have on healthcare services. However, the responsibility to honour negotiated agreements rests with the respective county governments. Doctors should not continue bearing the consequences of commitments that employers have failed to implement.
Healthcare Cannot Operate on Broken Agreements
KMPDU remains firm in its demand for full implementation of the agreed basic salary adjustments across all 17 counties. The Union expects the affected county governments to act within the notice period and avert the planned industrial action.
Thirty counties have complied. The remaining 17 must honour their commitments. Nothing remains to be negotiated; what is required now is implementation.
Healthcare cannot operate on broken agreements.
