Doctors threaten strike in Trans Nzoia over delayed salaries, unpaid arrears

Doctors in Trans Nzoia County have issued a seven-day strike notice to the county government over what they describe as the continued failure to implement a return-to-work agreement signed in February this year.

In a notice dated July 1, 2026, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the union had formally issued the notice after the county allegedly failed to honour commitments contained in the Return-to-Work Agreement (RTWA) signed on February 13, 2026.

"We refer to our previous correspondence dated 17th February 2026 and subsequent engagements regarding the implementation of the Return-to-Work Agreement (RTWA)... Despite our repeated requests and the lapse of considerable time, key provisions of the RTWA remain unimplemented and this constitutes a breach of the commitments made by the county government," Dr. Atellah said in the notice.

The union boss said doctors are yet to receive fully implemented promotions, noting that the agreed backdating of promotions to November 1, 2025, has not been effected for all eligible doctors.

He also faulted the county for failing to convert doctors serving on contract terms to permanent and pensionable employment despite the matter having been agreed upon in the RTWA.

Dr. Atellah further cited persistent delays in salary payments, saying the situation has caused financial hardship for doctors and affected the delivery of healthcare services.

He accused the county of delaying the remittance of statutory deductions, including Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions and union dues, contrary to legal requirements.

In addition, the KMPDU boss said 19 months of Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)-approved arrears remain unpaid, with no payment framework having been communicated by the county leadership.

He has now given the county government seven days to resolve all the outstanding issues, while expressing willingness to continue engaging the county in a bid to avert disruption of health services.

"KMPDU remains available for immediate engagement and is hopeful that this matter can be resolved without disruption of healthcare services to the public," Dr. Atellah said.

However, he warned that failure by the county to fully meet the demands within the notice period would trigger industrial action.

"Take notice that upon the expiry of this 7-day period, if the County Government fails to meet these demands in totality, all doctors shall withdraw their services and down tools effective midnight on Wednesday, 8th July 2026," Dr. Atellah warned.