Medical services across Kiambu County have been severely disrupted as doctors officially downed their tools on Tuesday, protesting persistent neglect and worsening working conditions.
The strike follows the lapse of a 21-day notice issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on May 5, warning of industrial action if the County Government failed to address critical grievances.
Despite attempts by the Kiambu County Government to halt the strike through a court injunction, the courts declined to issue such orders—effectively giving doctors the green light to proceed with their industrial action.KMPDU National Chairman Dr. Abidan Mwachi said the strike was prompted by the County’s continued failure to address key welfare issues affecting doctors.
Among the concerns are lack of access to medical cover, stagnation in job group promotions, arbitrary staff transfers, and general neglect of doctors’ well-being. “Doctors in Kiambu cannot even access treatment themselves. Many are forced to fundraise for care, contributing to rising stress levels and even alcoholism among health workers,” said Dr. Mwachi.
To uphold ethical standards, KMPDU has rolled out a Minimum Service Requirement Plan. Under this plan, all non-essential services in public hospitals are suspended. One doctor per facility will remain available in casualty and emergency units to stabilize critical patients before referring them to either Kiambu Level V or Thika Level V hospitals—and beyond, if necessary.
Non-critical patients will be discharged, while those in ICU will continue receiving care.A spot check in several county hospitals showed that clinical officers are still on duty but are not admitting new patients in the absence of doctors.
KMPDU blames the County Government for the strike, citing lack of engagement during the 21-day notice period. “Instead of genuine dialogue, they waited until the last minute to run to court,” the union said in a statement.
The union is now calling on the national government, civil society, and Kiambu residents to demand accountability from County leaders. As the strike begins, the County Government is yet to issue a new response, amid growing pressure to resolve the crisis.
