Kenya Medical Association calls for action as Kiambu doctors’ strike hits 150-day mark
KMA emphasised that the protracted strike constitutes a violation of residents’ constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health, as enshrined in Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya.
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has raised the alarm over the ongoing doctors’ strike in Kiambu County, which has now stretched into its 150th day, warning that the prolonged industrial action is endangering lives, reversing critical health gains, and undermining public confidence in the healthcare system.
In a statement, KMA emphasised that the protracted strike constitutes a violation of residents’ constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health, as enshrined in Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya.
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The association warned that the disruption threatens to reverse hard-won progress in key health indicators, including maternal and neonatal mortality, and could erode trust in the county and national healthcare systems.
"It is a great disservice to the people of Kiambu to go without medical services for this long, and it constitutes a violation of their constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health, as enshrined in Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya," the association stated.
The strike, KMA noted, is driven by persistent human resource challenges highlighted by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Among the grievances are delayed payment of salaries and allowances, non-remittance of statutory deductions such as PAYE, SHA, and NSSF, stalled promotions and lack of career progression, disinterest by county authorities to engage in dialogue with doctors, and threats of punitive measures, including arbitrary transfers.
KMA pointed out that these issues represent a breach of the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) and the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between KMPDU and the County Government of Kiambu, which remain binding and enforceable.
The association is urging the county to immediately engage doctors in constructive dialogue and treat all health workers fairly and lawfully in line with the Employment Act and Public Service Human Resource policies.
KMA also called on the Ministry of Health (MoH), Council of Governors (CoG), Parliament, and the Presidency to intervene decisively and support a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
“KMA reiterates its readiness to facilitate mediation and technical support to help both parties reach a fair and lasting settlement,” the statement reads. “Industrial harmony in the health sector is vital for the realisation of Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
The association highlighted that industrial action is a symptom of deeper systemic failures, which can only be resolved through transparent, accountable, and respectful governance, stressing that urgent action is needed to restore healthcare services and public confidence in the system.
"Failure to address legitimate grievances raised by doctors in Kiambu undermines not only the county's healthcare delivery system but also the public's trust in the government's commitment to universal health coverage (UHC)."
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