Doctors in Kiambu County have declared an indefinite strike starting May 26, 2025, accusing the county government of ignoring their calls for dialogue and failing to address critical issues affecting their welfare and service delivery.
In a statement released by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, the union expressed frustration over the county’s silence despite a 21-day notice period.
“For 21 days, we waited. We gave notice. We spoke clearly. But Kiambu County responded with silence—no meeting, no dialogue, no intention to resolve the crisis they’ve created,” said Dr. Atellah.
The doctors are demanding action on delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and the county’s failure to implement previously agreed-upon Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Dr. Atellah described the county’s inaction as “contempt” toward healthcare workers and the residents of Kiambu.
Ahead of the strike, the union has instructed doctors to begin discharging and referring patients. “The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now,” said Dr. Atellah, emphasizing that the strike aims to reclaim the dignity of healthcare workers and restore quality healthcare in the county.
The union has also urged the public to support the industrial action, saying, “A healthcare system that disrespects its doctors is a system that fails its people.”
The strike comes amid growing concerns over the state of public healthcare in Kenya, with KMPDU insisting that meaningful engagement is the only path to resolution.
