Kericho doctors issue 7-day strike notice over unresolved labour grievances

Doctors in Kericho County have issued a seven-day strike notice, threatening to withdraw services over what they describe as the county government's failure to implement a Return-to-Work agreement and address longstanding employment grievances.

In a notice dated June 19, 2026, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) accused the county administration of failing to honour commitments made under a Return-to-Work agreement signed on March 4, 2025, despite several engagements and assurances.

"The continued failure to address these matters has resulted in prolonged uncertainty, frustration, and what amounts to unfair labour practices against doctors serving the people of Kericho County," the union Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said in the statement.

The KMPDU boss noted that a conciliation process conducted by the County Labour Officer had recommended the immediate reconstitution and operationalisation of the Kericho County Public Service Board, full implementation of the Return-to-Work agreement, promotion of doctors to their rightful job groups, and confirmation of eligible doctors into permanent and pensionable terms.

However, Dr. Atellah said the county government had failed to implement the recommendations despite the passage of considerable time since the conclusion of the conciliation process.

He further raised concerns over the fate of eight doctors whose contracts expired in April 2026.

According to KMPDU Secretary General, the County Chief Officer for Health Services had, in a letter dated May 20, 2026, committed to renewing the contracts, settling outstanding salary arrears and commencing the process of confirming eligible doctors into permanent and pensionable employment once the County Public Service Board became operational.

"To date, these commitments remain unfulfilled," Dr. Atellah stated.

The KMPDU chief said the union’s South Rift Branch had also written to the county on June 8, demanding urgent action on the unresolved issues and granting a 14-day ultimatum, but no meaningful progress had been made.

Among the issues cited by the union are the implementation of the Return-to-Work agreement, operationalisation of the County Public Service Board, conversion of doctors on contract terms to permanent and pensionable employment, payment of salary arrears, and promotions.

"Unless these issues are fully resolved within seven (7) days of the date hereof, all doctors working in Kericho County shall withdraw their services," Dr. Atellah warned.

The union boss, however, said it remained open to dialogue with the county government to avert disruption of healthcare services and secure an amicable resolution to the dispute.