Kiambu doctors begin strike after court gives green light

Medical services across Kiambu County have been thrown into disarray after doctors commenced on Tuesday a strike, citing failure by the administration to address longstanding grievances.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials led by National Chairman Dr. Abi Mwachi, in a hard-hitting press address, cited lack of promotions of doctors as well as punitive actions against those who challenge the county as some of the foremost reasons for the strike.

“The foremost grievance in the county of Kiambu is the lack of promotion of our doctors dating upto 10 years back,” stated Dr. Mwachi.

“The second is taking punitive actions against doctors who raise concerns regarding their workplaces, such as lack of proper equipment and lack of medical cover. When a doctor raises such issues, they’re transferred arbitrarily.”

The union accused the Governor Kimani Wamatangi-led county government of dragging its feet even after being granted a 21-day notice period to resolve issues amicably.

"The legally issued strike notice granted the County a generous 21-day window to address and resolve the concerns raised by doctors through dialogue," KMPDU Central Branch Secretary Dr. Bill Muriuki stated.

According to Dr. Muriuki, instead, the county administration waited until the eleventh hour to seek legal refuge.

"The County Government waited until the final day of the notice period to rush to court in a last-minute attempt to block the strike by seeking injunctive orders," he said.

However, the legal move backfired: “We wish to clarify that the court declined to issue any such orders, effectively giving doctors the legal green light to proceed with the industrial action.”

To prevent a complete healthcare vacuum, the union says it has activated a contingency plan.

“In line with ethical obligations and in the interest of public health, the striking doctors have rolled out a Minimum Service Requirement Plan,” noted Dr. Muriuki.

Under this plan: All non-essential medical services across the county are suspended; emergency services will remain operational, but with only one doctor stationed per facility; and that stabilized patients will be referred to Kiambu Level V or Thika Level V hospitals.

The union squarely places the blame for the disruption on the devolved unit, stating; “This strike could have been avoided had the County Government shown seriousness in addressing long-standing issues affecting healthcare workers.”

While the medics have taken to the picket line, they maintain the door to talks remains open.

“We remain open to genuine dialogue, but until such engagement happens, the strike shall remain in force,” Dr. Muriuki added.