Kiambu: Looming Healthcare Crisis as Doctors Commence Strike From Monday
- Kiambu doctors accused the county government of failing to address their grievances despite issuing a 21-day strike notice
- KMPDU secretary general, Davji Bhimji Atellah, regretted that the county leadership had shown no intention to resolve the crisis
- Atellah told the people of Kiambu, who will be affected by the strike, to stand with them, as a better healthcare system will benefit them
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Healthcare services will be disrupted in Kiambu beginning Monday, May 26, as doctors in the county commence their strike.
Source: Twitter
Why Kiambu county doctors will strike
The medics accused the county government, led by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, of failing to address their grievances and in action despite issuing a 21-day strike notice.
In a statement, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary general, Davji Bhimji Atellah, regretted that the county had shown no intention to resolve the crisis.
"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. This is not just negligence; it’s contempt—for doctors, for healthcare workers, and for the people of Kiambu," said Atellah.
Consequently, beginning Monday, Atellah said Kiambu doctors will down their tools.
The KMPDU boss called on the doctors to start discharging and referring patients in readiness for Monday.
"On May 26, 2025, Kiambu doctors will down their tools in what will be the strike of our lives. We call on all our members to begin discharging and referring patients. The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now. To the County Government: If you will not come to the table, we will meet you on the picket line," he added.
Atellah told the people of Kiambu, who will largely be affected by the strike, to stand with them, as a better healthcare system will benefit them.
"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," said Atellah.
Tharaka Nithi county promotes doctors
In other news, KMPDU secured a deal with Tharaka Nithi county that will see 21 doctors promoted.
Source: UGC
The promotions, which KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah termed long overdue, will see the said medical consultants moved from Job Group Q to S.
In a statement, Atellah announced that 11 doctors have already received their promotion letters, while the remaining 10 are expected to receive theirs in June.
"We are proud to announce a major milestone in the fight for justice and dignity for our medical professionals. 11 doctors have already received their promotion letters this month, with the remaining 10 set to receive theirs in June.
This bold and commendable step is a direct result of the Return to Work Formula (RTWF) signed on 8th May 2025, and follows the critical engagement we had with the Council of Governors on April 25, 2025," said Atellah.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
