The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a seven-day strike notice to the Mombasa County government, warning that health services could grind to a halt if longstanding labour grievances are not resolved.
Union’s Accusations
In a strongly-worded letter dated Tuesday, February 24, 2026, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah accused the county of “wilful negligence” in handling doctors’ welfare and failing to honour binding agreements. While acknowledging some progress in salary payment timelines, the union cited multiple unresolved issues, including non-compliance with the 2021 Return-to-Work Formula, which it described as a legally binding agreement.
Career Stagnation and Contractual Concerns
Dr. Atellah highlighted systemic stagnation within the county’s medical workforce:
- 28 doctors have been awaiting redesignation since suitability interviews held in July 2022.
- 45 consultants remain unrecognized despite qualifying for promotion.
- At least 67 doctors are employed under what the union termed exploitative contractual terms, managed through a non-transparent manual payroll system.
The union also accused the county of deducting statutory and third-party payments from doctors’ salaries without remitting them, leading to loan defaults, blacklisting by credit bureaus, and lapses in insurance coverage.
Political Interference Allegations
Dr. Atellah further criticized what he described as political interference in health facility management, citing the interdiction of the CEO of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital as an example of “procedural hostility” and administrative overreach.
Strike Threat
The union has demanded immediate resolution of all grievances within seven days. If unmet, KMPDU members in Mombasa County will withdraw their labour effective Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 00:00 hours.
“The county government shall be held solely responsible for the paralysis of healthcare services and any subsequent loss of life or property resulting from this industrial action,” Dr. Atellah warned.
Conclusion
The looming strike underscores persistent tensions between healthcare workers and county administrations, raising urgent questions about labour rights, governance, and the sustainability of Kenya’s devolved health system.
