KMPDU calls off Meru doctors' strike after deal with county gov't

Doctors in Meru have suspended a planned strike after reaching an agreement with the county government, following negotiations that addressed promotions, employment terms and study leave for medical staff.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the deal was signed after engagements with the Meru County Government, led by Governor Isaac Mutuma, on Wednesday evening.

The agreement effectively suspends the strike notice that had been set to expire on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Dr. Atellah said the negotiations secured commitments from the county on long-standing issues affecting doctors, including stalled promotions and contractual employment arrangements.

Under the deal, the county government will immediately process promotions for all common cadre doctors, with the changes expected to reflect in the March salary.

Consultants due for redesignation will undergo suitability interviews this month, with their promotions set to take effect in the April payslips.

Additionally, 14 consultants currently in Job Group Q will be promoted to Job Group R by March 18, 2026, with the changes reflected in the March payroll.

The agreement also addresses concerns over contractual employment. According to the union, the county has committed to harmonising all suboptimal contract terms in line with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with the adjustments also expected to take effect in the March salary.

Eight doctors currently on contract who have already been shortlisted for external interviews will be converted to Permanent and Pensionable terms by May 18, 2026.

The remaining 17 doctors serving under contract will be transitioned to Permanent and Pensionable terms in the 2026/2027 financial year.

The deal further includes provisions on study leave. The county government has agreed to release four doctors for further studies on a first-come, first-served basis once the ongoing recruitment process is completed.

Two doctors who are already enrolled in studies will also receive immediate release letters from the county.

Dr. Atellah added that the union would remain vigilant to ensure that the Meru County government implements the agreement within the agreed timelines.