KMPDU boss Davji Atellah details deal that ended 5-month Kiambu doctors’ strike
By Ascah Mwango, October 25, 2025Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has outlined the full details of the agreement that brought an end to the five-month-long strike by doctors in Kiambu County.
In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, October 24, 2025, Atellah confirmed that the union and the County Government of Kiambu had signed a Return-to-Work Formula, officially closing the industrial action that began in May.
Also watch: KMPDU blames Kiambu County for doctors`strike
“After five months of steadfast struggle, principled engagement, and unwavering solidarity, we have today signed a Return-to-Work Formula with the County Government of Kiambu, officially bringing the industrial action to a close,” Atellah said.
He explained that the deal secures several key commitments aimed at protecting doctors’ welfare and improving service delivery in public hospitals across the country.
Under the new agreement, doctors will now receive their salaries on time, and any delays in exchequer release must be formally communicated to the union. Stalled promotions will also be fast-tracked within strict timelines, job groups M to P within two weeks, and Q to S within six weeks, in line with public service guidelines.
Insurance cover
The county has further committed to providing continuous medical insurance cover for all doctors and ensuring that statutory health deductions are remitted before the 9th of every month to prevent interruptions in coverage.
Transfer policies will be published within seven days, and all pending allowances will be paid promptly. A structured system will also be introduced to enforce compliance with the 40-hour work week, with overtime recognised for on-call duties.
Also watch: Kiambu denies reports of doctors’ boycott, insists hospitals operating normally
Atellah said the county will resume deduction and remittance of union dues as required by law, and that no doctor or union leader will face victimisation, discrimination, or arbitrary transfers for participating in the strike. One month’s salary will be paid immediately upon resumption of duty.
He added that both the union and the county agreed to withdraw all pending court cases and contempt proceedings to restore industrial harmony.
“This agreement is a testament to what unity, persistence, and collective bargaining can achieve. We remain vigilant in ensuring full implementation of every clause signed today,” Atellah stated.
“To the doctors of Kiambu: your resilience has defended not only your rights but also the right of every patient to be served by a dignified, motivated, and protected healthcare worker. To the County Government: we welcome this renewed commitment to good-faith dialogue and accountability,” he added.
“As we return to our stations within 24 hours, we do so with heads held high. When health workers are respected, healthcare works.”
The strike, which began on May 26, 2025, disrupted services in public health facilities across the county, forcing patients to seek care in private hospitals.
The deal was reached following mediation involving the Council of Governors, KMPDU officials, and the Kiambu County Government.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi welcomed the resolution, terming it a win for both the doctors and the residents of Kiambu County. Doctors are expected to resume work by Monday, October 27, 2025.