Doctors call off strike as Kwale County, KMPDU sign return-to-work agreement

The deal was reached during a high-level meeting held in the Governor’s boardroom, bringing an end to a week-long strike that had paralysed essential healthcare services across the region. At the centre of the agreement are key provisions addressing doctors' longstanding grievances, including delayed promotions, lack of training opportunities, and substandard working conditions.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, who presided over the signing, hailed the resolution as a turning point for the county’s health sector. “This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting our doctors and ensuring that the people of Kwale continue to receive quality health services.

Healthcare is a right, and we will honour the terms of this deal fully,” she stated.

Governor Achani further underscored her administration’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery, noting that investments in health infrastructure and human resources remain a county priority.

The strike, which began on June 29, had drawn attention to the mounting frustrations among healthcare professionals, forcing residents to seek medical services from neighbouring counties or private facilities.

The new pact now provides for clear timelines on promotions and structured training programs, alongside measures to resolve administrative and operational inefficiencies highlighted by the union.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhinji Atellah welcomed the agreement and called on all doctors to resume duty within 24 hours. “We are satisfied with the commitments made by the County Government of Kwale. As KMPDU, we will closely monitor the implementation of the agreed terms to ensure doctors’ rights are respected and that they serve the people effectively,” he said.

Also present at the signing were County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo, Public Service Board Chairperson Festus Sombo, CECM for Health Francis Gwama, County Attorney Salim Gombeni, KMPDU Chairman Abidan Mwachi, and Coast Region Chairman Niko Gichana.

The county has assured residents that preventive mechanisms are now in place to avert future disruptions, and that regular engagement with health workers will remain central to policy implementation.