KMPDU serves Meru, Isiolo with 21-day doctors’ strike notices

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued separate 21-day strike notices to the county governments of Meru and Isiolo, threatening to withdraw medical services from June 2, 2026.

The union, in letters signed by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah dated May 12, 2026, says this has been occasioned by what it describes as persistent labour violations, delayed salaries, staffing shortages and failure to honour return-to-work agreements.

The KMPDU boss accused both county administrations of neglecting doctors’ welfare and failing to implement key provisions of the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), despite previous negotiations and mediation efforts.

In Meru County, Dr. Atellah said doctors have suffered prolonged unfair labour practices, including delayed promotions, failure to employ additional medical personnel and refusal to convert contract doctors to permanent and pensionable terms.

He claimed many doctors had remained stuck in the same job groups despite meeting Public Service Commission requirements, terming the move a violation of Article 47 of the Constitution.

The union leader further accused the Meru County government of failing to address severe staffing shortages that have allegedly subjected doctors to unsustainable workloads, fatigue and burnout.

He also raised concerns over the denial of study leave opportunities due to understaffing, saying the county had failed to implement agreed provisions under previous negotiations.

“The executive’s decision to reallocate all monies set aside in the 2025/2026 budget specifically intended to address the aforementioned grievances, demonstrating a lack of commitment to resolving these labor disputes,” lamented Dr. Atellah.

“Failure to pay arrears arising from the implementation of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) third remuneration review cycle. These mandatory payments to Meru County Doctors remain outstanding.”

For Isiolo County, the union painted a picture of what it termed a collapsing healthcare system, citing decade-long career stagnation among doctors and chronic salary delays of up to three months.

KMPDU highlighted what it described as an “egregious case” of a doctor remaining in Job Group Q for three consecutive gubernatorial terms, accusing the county of failing to implement the Scheme of Service and career progression guidelines.

The union also accused the Isiolo County government of mishandling statutory deductions and medical cover contributions.

According to the strike notice, doctors have allegedly been forced to pay for healthcare services out-of-pocket despite deductions exceeding Ksh.7,000 for SHA cover.

KMPDU further claimed pension and statutory deductions had not been remitted for up to six months, putting doctors’ future financial security at risk.

“The staffing situation at Isiolo Level 5 Hospital is a catastrophe. Currently, only 7 Medical Officers are doing the work of 50, leading to severe burnout and violation of the 40-hour work week. Additionally, consultants are being unfairly utilized in Job Group MN instead of their rightful Job Group Q,” noted Dr. Atellah.

“We strongly condemn the culture of fear and intimidation orchestrated by senior county officials. Doctors must be allowed to exercise their professional independence without the threat of administrative victimization.”

In both notices, KMPDU demanded that the counties fully address all grievances within 21 days, warning that doctors would down their tools effective midnight on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 should the demands remain unmet.

The union, however, said it remained open to genuine and time-bound negotiations but would no longer accept promises without implementation.