Kiambu doctors to go on strike from Monday amid 'silence' by county gov't

Doctors in Kiambu County have announced that they will go on strike starting May 26, 2025, citing the county government's failure to address their grievances or engage in dialogue.

In a statement issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, the union accused the county government of ignoring repeated calls for engagement.

“For 21 days, we waited. We gave notice. We spoke clearly. But Kiambu County responded with silence—no meeting, no dialogue, no intention to resolve the crisis they’ve created,” said Dr. Atellah.

The doctors have been demanding action on issues including delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and the failure to implement agreed-upon Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

“This is not just negligence; it’s contempt—for doctors, for healthcare workers, and for the people of Kiambu,” added Dr. Atellah.

The KMPDU boss has since directed the union’s members to begin discharging and referring patients ahead of the planned industrial action.

“We call on all our members to begin discharging and referring patients. The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now,” he stated.

Dr. Atellah emphasized that the strike is aimed at restoring dignity and securing the future of healthcare in the county.

“This is not just a strike—it is a reclaiming of our dignity, our rights, and the future of healthcare in this county. We will not negotiate through silence. We will not accept being treated as expendable,” said the doctors’ union chief.

The union further called on the public to support the strike, saying the current state of healthcare affects everyone.

“To the people of Kiambu: This fight is for you too. A healthcare system that disrespects its doctors is a system that fails its people. Stand with us, as we have always stood with you,” stated Dr. Atellah.