The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has formally issued 21-day strike notices to the County Governments of Meru County and Isiolo County, citing persistent labour violations, failure to honour signed agreements, chronic staffing shortages, delayed salaries, and continued disregard for doctors’ welfare. Unless urgent action is taken, doctors in both counties are set to withdraw services beginning 2 June 2026.
The notices, signed by KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah, follow months of unresolved engagements and what the Union describes as repeated failures by the two county administrations to implement provisions of the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and honour commitments previously reached through negotiations and mediation. KMPDU has maintained that healthcare workers cannot continue operating under conditions that undermine both their welfare and patient care.
Meru County: Delayed Promotions, Staffing Gaps and Broken Commitments
In Meru County, KMPDU raised concern over what it termed prolonged unfair labour practices, including delayed promotions and career stagnation despite doctors meeting requirements outlined by the Public Service Commission. According to the Union, many doctors have remained in the same job groups for years, contrary to established career progression guidelines.
The Union also faulted the County Government for failing to recruit adequate numbers of medical personnel, leaving doctors overstretched, fatigued, and vulnerable to burnout. KMPDU noted that staffing shortages have further resulted in the denial of study leave opportunities for doctors pursuing postgraduate training, ultimately affecting both professional growth and healthcare service delivery.
Additionally, KMPDU expressed concern over unresolved salary arrears linked to the third remuneration review cycle by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and accused the County Executive of reallocating funds that had initially been budgeted to address doctors’ grievances. The Union described this move as a demonstration of weak commitment toward resolving longstanding labour disputes.
Isiolo County: Severe Staffing Crisis and Salary Delays
In Isiolo County, the Union painted a troubling picture of a healthcare system under immense strain. KMPDU cited acute staffing shortages at Isiolo Level 5 Hospital, where only seven Medical Officers are reportedly handling workloads meant for approximately fifty doctors, resulting in unsustainable pressure, severe burnout, and violations of the agreed 40-hour work week.
Doctors in Isiolo are also facing persistent salary delays of up to three months, placing immense financial pressure on healthcare workers and their families. KMPDU further accused the County Government of failing to remit pension and statutory deductions for periods of up to six months, raising concerns over doctors’ long-term financial security.
The Union additionally highlighted concerns around healthcare access, noting that despite deductions exceeding KES 7,000 for SHA cover, doctors have allegedly been forced to pay out-of-pocket for medical services. Career stagnation was also cited, including cases of doctors reportedly remaining in the same job groups for extended periods despite eligibility for promotion.
KMPDU also condemned what it described as a growing culture of intimidation and administrative victimization by senior county officials, insisting that doctors must be allowed to exercise professional independence free from fear, harassment, or punitive action.
Dialogue Remains Open, But Timelines Matter
While issuing the strike notices, KMPDU reiterated that the Union remains open to genuine, time-bound negotiations aimed at resolving the disputes. However, the Union emphasized that repeated promises without implementation can no longer be accepted.
The notices serve as a clear signal that healthcare workers’ welfare, professional dignity, and safe working conditions are inseparable from quality healthcare delivery. KMPDU maintains that protecting doctors ultimately protects patients and strengthens health systems.
As the 21-day notice period begins, the Union calls upon both county governments to urgently engage and implement lasting solutions before industrial action becomes unavoidable.
When doctors are respected, healthcare works.
In solidarity.
