KMPDU threatens nationwide strike over stalemate in Kiambu doctors’ crisis
By William Muthama, July 21, 2025The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to escalate the ongoing Kiambu doctors’ strike into a nationwide industrial action, citing persistent inaction by both the county and national governments.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, July 21, 2025, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said the union will organise a mega demonstration in Kiambu Town on Thursday, July 24, 2025, if the standoff remains unresolved.
“We have also declared demonstrations this Thursday in Kiambu County to dramatize the injustice of the county. It has reached a point where we will not treat Kiambu as Kiambu alone, but as a union. And I’m saying today, if this issue is not resolved, we are ready to make this a national strike,” said Atellah.
He warned that the strike, which has now entered its 55th day, reflects broader systemic issues in the health sector and demands immediate national attention.
“This strike is about the dignity of doctors and patients. The county government has shown no intention of resolving this matter, and as a union, we stand united across the country,” Atellah said.
The doctors in Kiambu County downed their tools over issues including lack of promotions, inadequate medical cover, and what they described as punitive measures against those who speak out.
Attempts at dialogue with county officials have stalled, with no tangible progress reported.
Plea to Duale
Atellah also called on Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to withdraw all 150 medical interns currently posted in Kiambu, warning that the deteriorating health environment undermines their training and professional development.
“There is no way we can have intern doctors in Kiambu when the county cannot support even the basic healthcare functions,” Atellah noted.
The latest threat comes two months after the Kiambu County Government announced the start of a disciplinary process to dismiss striking doctors, accusing them of abandoning patients and disrupting services.
According to County CEC for Health Elias Maina, a headcount was already underway to replace the medics.
Despite the county citing significant investment in health reportedly from an annual KSh8 billion budget—KMPDU maintains that the issues stem from mismanagement, lack of accountability, and disregard for healthcare workers’ welfare.
As tensions rise, the union insists it will not back down until the grievances are addressed, warning that doctors across the country may soon join in solidarity