Kiambu doctors to begin strike on Monday
Doctors working in Kiambu County will begin an indefinite strike on Monday, May 26, 2025, citing unresolved grievances and what they describe as the county government’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued the announcement on Friday, May 23, 2025, accusing the county administration of ignoring a 21-day strike notice.
The union described the county’s inaction as more than negligence, calling it outright contempt for doctors, healthcare workers, and the people of Kiambu.
“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 have created. This is not just negligence; it’s contempt, for doctors, for healthcare workers, and for the people of Kiambu,” KMPDU said in a statement signed by Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah.
KMPDU further called on doctors to start discharging and referring patients as part of the industrial action.
“Now, we rise. 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,” KMPDU said.
Adding that;
“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.”
The union also urged the public to understand and support their action, stating that it is now up to the Kiambu County Government to avert the strike.
“To the County Government: If you will not come to the table, we will meet you on the picket line. 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. United we bargain. Divided we beg. It’s now or never. Stronger together,” KMPDU stated.
As of the publication of this article, the Kiambu County Government had not issued a public response to the planned strike.
The dispute comes in the wake of a broader national conversation about the sustainability of public health services and the treatment of medical professionals in Kenya’s counties.
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