Kiambu Doctors Down Tools as County Government Ignores 21-Day Ultimatum.

Dr. Abidan Mwachi the Chairman of the KMPDU(in black shirt).

Nairobi, Kenya – May 27, 2025

Led by Dr. Abidan Mwachi the Chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union(KMPDU), doctors in Kiambu County have officially begun an indefinite strike after the county government failed to address their grievances despite a 21-day notice issued on May 5, 2025. The strike comes after a Nairobi court refused to block the industrial action, dismissing last-minute attempts by the county to obtain an injunction.

"This is a strike that should never have happened," said Dr. Mwachi in a press briefing. "We gave Kiambu County three weeks to engage in meaningful talks, but instead of dialogue, they chose legal threats at the eleventh hour. The court’s decision confirms that our strike is lawful and justified."

The medics are protesting delayed promotions, understaffing, poor working conditions, and unpaid allowances, issues that have persisted for years. Dr. Mwachi accused the county administration of "deliberate neglect and brinkmanship," saying the union had provided ample time for negotiations, only to be met with silence until the strike deadline loomed.

To mitigate the impact on critical care, the union has implemented a Minimum Service Requirement (MSR) plan, ensuring emergency services remain operational, though severely strained. Under the MSR:

Only one doctor per health facility will be available at casualty units strictly for emergency stabilization and referrals.

Stabilized patients will be transferred to Kiambu Level V or Thika Level V hospitals, with further arrangements for specialized care outside the county if needed.

All non-essential services, including outpatient clinics and elective surgeries, remain suspended indefinitely.

Dr. Mwachi called on Kiambu residents, civil society, and the national government to hold the county leadership accountable. "The suffering of patients today is a direct result of the county’s inaction," she said. "We urge the public to demand better from their leaders, because healthcare workers should not have to strike to be heard."

With no signs of immediate intervention from the county, the strike is expected to deepen healthcare disruptions across Kiambu. The union insists the strike will continue until the county government commits to a concrete resolution plan.

"Our doors remain open for talks, but empty promises will no longer suffice," Dr. Mwachi warned. "This strike ends only when Kiambu County shows it takes healthcare workers and patients seriously."

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