Doctors in Kiambu County have announced a strike starting Monday, May 26, 2025. Their decision follows weeks of unanswered pleas to the county government. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) confirmed the industrial action, citing delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and ignored agreements.
For 21 days, doctors waited for a response. They issued notices, called for meetings, and urged dialogue. However, the county government remained silent. Frustrated, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah declared that the time for waiting was over. He directed doctors to begin discharging and referring patients ahead of the strike.
The doctors argue that their demands are not unreasonable. They seek timely salaries, improved working conditions, and the implementation of agreed-upon Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). According to Dr. Atellah, the county’s silence reflects contempt, not just for doctors but for healthcare workers and the people of Kiambu.
The strike is not just about wages. It is about dignity, respect, and the future of healthcare in the county. Doctors insist they will not negotiate through silence. They refuse to be treated as expendable. Their message is clear: healthcare professionals deserve better.
The union has also called on the public to support the strike. They argue that a system that disrespects its doctors ultimately fails its people. “Stand with us, as we have always stood with you,” urged Dr. Atellah.
The county government has yet to respond. Meanwhile, hospitals brace for disruption. Patients may face delays, referrals, or postponed treatments.
