KMPDU Doctors Issue Strike Notice Following Breakdown in Engagement with Kiambu County Government

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Nairobi County, Kenya — May 28, 2025


Dr. Abi Mwachi (National Chairman) KMPDU addresses the Media alongside Dr. James Maina, Dr.Bill Muriuki ( Secretary General) and Dr. Caroline Mwaura


  The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Central branch has issued a formal strike notice to the Kiambu County Government following what the union describes as a total breakdown in dialogue and failure to address long-standing grievances affecting healthcare workers in the region.
   The union cited a growing crisis within the county’s health system, marked by alarming staff attrition and systemic neglect of healthcare professionals. According to KMPDU officials, Kiambu County currently reports the highest number of resignations among doctors across the country.         Many of the resignations have been attributed to poor working conditions, lack of motivation, and institutional disregard for staff welfare.
Further compounding the crisis, Kiambu has also recorded the highest number of doctors undergoing rehabilitation, a troubling indicator of burnout, stress, and deteriorating mental health among healthcare workers.
Additionally, the union decried the persistent failure of the county government to implement job group promotions, leaving many doctors stagnating in their positions for years without recognition or advancement. This failure to reward merit and experience has further deepened dissatisfaction within the medical workforce. 
Strike Effects: Medical Services Ground to a Halt
 In light of these issues, the KMPDU has announced a countywide suspension of non-essential medical services, effective immediately. All outpatient clinics, elective procedures, and specialist consultations have been halted.
 While emergency services will remain operational, they will do so under significant strain. The union revealed that only one doctor will be stationed at each facility's casualty department, and their role will be limited to initial stabilization and referral.
Patients in critical condition will be stabilized at local health facilities before being referred to Kiambu Level V or Thika Level V hospitals. Should the need arise for more specialized care, further referrals will be arranged outside the county.
Public Health at Risk
 This latest development poses serious risks to public health in Kiambu County, where access to timely and quality healthcare services is already a challenge for many residents. With minimal staffing at emergency units and all other services suspended, healthcare delivery is expected to suffer significantly in the coming days.
 The KMPDU has urged the county government to immediately return to the negotiating table and address the doctors’ grievances in good faith. Until then, the strike will remain in effect, a move that underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation.
As residents brace for a prolonged healthcare crisis, pressure is mounting on county leadership to resolve the impasse and restore essential services to the people of Kiambu.

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