A doctors’ strike that was due to commence at midnight in Mombasa has been suspended following a four-hour meeting between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, during which the parties reached an agreement that includes the renewal and review of contracts.
KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah said the union presented a list of doctors to the county for promotion, with the changes expected to take effect on April 1, 2026 and July 1 2026.
“All doctors we presented to the county are to be promoted by April 1, 2026 and July 1,” Atellah said.
He added that the status of doctors serving on contract was extensively discussed. “We discussed the issues of doctors on contract. We had deliberations with the county, and it agreed to review these particular contracts.”
According to Atellah, the county government committed to determining whether affected doctors would receive letters confirming their employment and be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms by 1 June 2026.
The union also raised concerns over delayed remittances to savings and credit co-operative societies (Saccos), which it initially believed had not been paid for five months. Upon review, the outstanding period was established to be two months.
“When we reviewed it, we found the pending time was two months. The county agreed they will pay one month in June and another in the next financial year,” Atellah said.
On the matter of the hospital CEO, Atellah noted that the union did not dwell on it during the meeting because it had already moved to court. “What we were against was the interdiction of the CEO, but by the time of our discussion today, the interdiction had been lifted,” he said.
He confirmed that the strike would be suspended once the agreement is formally signed. “If we sign the agreement this evening, then the strike will stand suspended. The strike was to begin tonight,” he said.
Atellah further stated that the union had secured assurances from the governor that elected leaders would not interfere with medical professionals in the discharge of their duties. “We also agreed with the governor that no MCAs, MPs or politicians will interfere with the doctors. The governor will support us, the doctors in the hospitals, from any political interference or any insecurity that may interfere with their work,” he said.
Governor Nassir acknowledged that the negotiations had taken time but said a consensus had been reached. “The negotiations took a bit of time. Whatever it is that we have agreed upon has already been agreed upon,” he said.
He referred to a 2021 agreement that had not been fully implemented. “There was an agreement that was done in 2021. That agreement had yet to be finalised. Before even receiving the letter, part of the agreement had been done. It was only a few that were remaining. Some had already been given their letters, and some are the ones that are currently being processed,” the governor said.
Addressing concerns over contractual staff, Nassir said the county had a policy regarding fixed-term engagements. “They say they spoke on behalf of the doctors, but I want to speak. When we came in, anyone who had a contract of two to three years was given permanent and pensionable terms. The reason for this is so that we can understand, so that we can study you, your discipline and so forth,” he said.
He added that the union had requested a review of those already serving under contract. “However, the union of doctors has requested the possibility of now reviewing those who had already started their contract and doing their work, as we do that the county government will simultaneously do it for all others, from doctors to nurses to firemen to inspectorate to everyone else,” Nassir said.
The governor maintained that the proposed changes would not have financial implications for the county. “This is something that has no budgetary implication for the county,” he said.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to be formally filed, effectively halting the planned industrial action.
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