The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union has issued a 21-day strike notice to the county governments of Meru County and Isiolo County, warning that doctors will withdraw their services starting June 2, 2026, if long-standing grievances are not addressed.
Why Doctors Are Protesting
In notices signed by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah, the union cites ongoing labour issues affecting doctors in both counties. These include:
- Persistent delays in salary payments
- Failure to implement agreed return-to-work formulas
- Acute staffing shortages in public health facilities
- Non-compliance with the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
The union argues that despite several negotiations and mediation attempts, county administrations have failed to act on key commitments.
Concerns in Meru County
In Meru County, doctors are reportedly facing prolonged workplace challenges. According to KMPDU, many medics have:
- Experienced delayed promotions despite meeting requirements set by the Public Service Commission
- Remained in the same job groups for years
- Missed opportunities for study leave due to staff shortages
The union also accused the county government of reallocating funds that had been set aside in the 2025/2026 budget to resolve these issues, raising concerns about commitment to improving doctors’ welfare.
Crisis in Isiolo County
The situation in Isiolo County appears even more dire. At Isiolo Level 5 Hospital, the union says only a handful of medical officers are handling workloads meant for dozens of doctors.
This has reportedly led to:
- Extreme fatigue and burnout among staff
- Violation of the standard 40-hour work week
- Misplacement of consultants in lower job groups
KMPDU described the staffing situation as unsustainable and detrimental to both doctors and patients.
Financial and Welfare Issues
Beyond staffing concerns, the union raised alarm over financial irregularities, including:
- Failure to remit pension and statutory deductions for months
- Doctors being forced to pay for healthcare services out-of-pocket despite deductions for insurance cover
Such issues, the union argues, not only affect morale but also threaten the long-term financial security of healthcare workers.
KMPDU also accused some county officials of fostering a hostile work environment through intimidation and interference. The union emphasized that doctors must be allowed to operate independently without fear of victimization.
The union has given both counties a 21-day ultimatum to address all concerns. If no action is taken, doctors will down their tools at midnight on June 2, 2026. Despite the hardline stance, KMPDU says it remains open to meaningful dialogue—provided that agreements reached are fully implemented and not just promised.
The looming strike in Meru County and Isiolo County highlights deep-rooted challenges within Kenya’s public health sector. As the deadline approaches, attention now turns to whether county governments will act swiftly to avert a healthcare crisis that could disrupt services for thousands of patients.
