The Employment and Labour Relations Court has stopped the Kiambu County government from recruiting new medical specialists until it resolves an ongoing dispute with striking doctors.
In orders issued on August 14, 2025, Justice Njagi Marete barred the county and its agents from shortlisting or hiring candidates for the position of Medical Specialist I, Job Group CPSB 04, until the case is heard and determined.
He further directed the county to engage in dialogue and address the alleged unfair labour practices at the heart of the strike, saying the goal should be to “restore good order at the workplace.”
The county has 14 days to respond to the application, with the matter set for inter-partes hearing on August 28, 2025.
The case was filed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) after the county advertised 78 consultant positions in Job Group Q on August 8.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah criticised the recruitment drive, calling it “a show of hostility” towards doctors already working in the county.
“This strike was necessitated by deep-seated injustices lack of promotions, delayed salaries, overwork, low pay, and denial of leave, medical insurance, and statutory deductions,” he said, adding that the union would fight the matter “in courtrooms, newsrooms, boardrooms, and on the streets.”
The union has been on strike for 79 days, accusing the county of ignoring court orders and violating the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
On Wednesday, KMPDU officials met with Kiambu County MPs, led by National Assembly Majority Leader, to push for urgent action, warning that the healthcare system is “on the edge of collapse.”
At the closed-door meeting, union leaders painted hospitals as having no drugs, overworked staff, and dilapidated facilities.
“Our strike is not just about promotion or pay; it’s about the right of every resident of Kiambu to access quality healthcare.” We will not return to work until all issues are addressed and the intimidation of healthcare workers stops,” Dr. Atellah said.
The union plans to stage demonstrations next week, framing the dispute as a fight not just for doctors’ welfare but for “the future of healthcare in Kiambu and across Kenya.”
