KIAMBU, Kenya – Medical services across Kiambu County have been thrown into crisis following a strike by doctors protesting poor working conditions, lack of career progression, and retaliatory treatment by county officials.
The industrial action, which began Tuesday, was announced by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Union officials accuse the county administration, led by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, of ignoring repeated calls to address long-standing grievances — including the stagnation of doctors’ promotions for up to a decade.
“Our doctors have not been promoted for 10 years,” said KMPDU National Chair Dr. Abi Mwachi during a press briefing. “Worse still, those who speak up about issues like equipment shortages or lack of medical cover are punished through arbitrary transfers.”
The strike follows a 21-day notice period issued by the union, during which it says the county made no meaningful effort to resolve the standoff.
“The County Government waited until the last day of the notice to rush to court seeking an injunction to stop the strike,” said KMPDU Central Branch Secretary Dr. Bill Muriuki. “The court, however, declined to grant those orders — effectively clearing the way for the strike to proceed.”
To mitigate the impact on the public, the union has activated a Minimum Service Requirement Plan, under which:
- All non-essential services are suspended across the county;
- Emergency services will continue, but only one doctor will be stationed per facility;
- Stabilized patients will be referred to Kiambu Level V and Thika Level V hospitals.
The union says the responsibility for the disruption lies squarely with the county government.
“This strike was avoidable. It is the result of a leadership that has failed to take the welfare of healthcare workers seriously,” said Dr. Muriuki.
Despite the strike, the doctors say they remain open to negotiations.
“We are willing to engage in genuine dialogue,” Dr. Muriuki added. “But until that happens, the strike will continue.”
