Mombasa Sets New Benchmark as 70 Doctors Receive Promotions Without Industrial Action

MOMBASA: September 17, 2026

In a significant milestone for labour relations and healthcare workforce management, 70 doctors in Mombasa County have officially received their promotion letters, marking the first time such a major promotion exercise has been successfully concluded without the need for industrial action.

The development reflects the growing value of sustained engagement, structured dialogue, and a shared commitment to resolving workforce issues through consultation rather than confrontation. It also signals a positive shift in how counties can address long-standing human resource challenges while maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.

A Landmark Achievement for Doctors in Mombasa

Career progression remains one of the most important issues affecting healthcare workers across Kenya. Delayed promotions not only affect morale and remuneration but also hinder professional growth and retention within the public health sector.

The promotion of 70 doctors in Mombasa represents a major step forward in recognizing experience, qualifications, and service to the people of Kenya. More importantly, it demonstrates that meaningful progress can be achieved when commitments are translated into action.

For many doctors, the letters represent more than a change in job grade. They symbolize recognition of years of service, professional development, and dedication to patient care.

Momentum Towards Permanent and Pensionable Employment

During the engagement, the Governor also expressed a commitment to advancing the welfare of healthcare workers through the expansion of Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) employment terms.

KMPDU has consistently advocated for secure and dignified employment for doctors, recognizing that stable terms of service are essential for workforce retention, motivation, and the delivery of quality healthcare.

The County’s stated desire to transition doctors to PnP terms aligns with broader efforts across the country to eliminate precarious employment arrangements and strengthen the healthcare workforce.

Five Years of Salary Stability

Mombasa County has also distinguished itself through consistent salary payments over the last five years.

At a time when delayed salaries remain a recurring challenge in many counties, timely remuneration provides healthcare workers with financial stability and allows them to focus on patient care without the uncertainty that often accompanies payroll delays.

The County’s record demonstrates that predictable and reliable salary payments are both achievable and essential for maintaining a motivated workforce.

Progress on Statutory Deductions and Pension Obligations

The County has further made notable progress in addressing statutory obligations affecting healthcare workers.

According to updates shared during the engagement:

• Statutory deductions have now reached approximately 98 percent compliance.

• Outstanding pension obligations inherited from previous administrations have been cleared.

• More than KSh 280 million has been paid to settle pending pension-related liabilities.

The resolution of these longstanding obligations provides much-needed certainty for affected healthcare workers and retirees while reinforcing accountability in public sector human resource management.

Building on Tangible Progress

Healthcare workers in Mombasa have expressed a desire to continue building on demonstrated achievements and measurable outcomes.

The progress recorded in promotions, salary payments, statutory remittances, and pension settlements provides a strong foundation for future engagements between healthcare workers, county leadership, and other stakeholders.

KMPDU believes that sustainable industrial harmony is best achieved when commitments are backed by implementation, timelines, and accountability mechanisms.