Embu doctors’ strike ends as county, KMPDU sign return to work agreement
The agreement brings to an end the industrial action that began on December 1, 2025 after a strike notice was issued on November 17, 2025.
Doctors in Embu County are set to resume work after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the county government reached a return to work agreement that resolves all issues behind a week-long strike.
The agreement followed a consultative meeting between KMPDU and the Government of Embu County, led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, and brings to an end the industrial action that began on 1 December 2025 after a strike notice was issued on 17 November 2025.
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According to the union, the agreed outcomes have been formally captured in a Return to Work Formula that will be adopted in court, paving the way for doctors to return to their duties.
A key outcome of the agreement is the promotion of doctors. 59 doctors have already been promoted under the August 2024 Return to Work Formula, while the remaining 19 consultants will be promoted by 15 January 2026. The promotions will be reflected in the January 2026 payslips.
The deal also addresses long-standing concerns over job security. All 30 doctors who were previously on contract terms have been converted to permanent and pensionable employment. In addition, the county government committed that all future doctor appointments in Embu County will be on permanent and pensionable terms.
“All future doctor appointments in Embu County will be permanent and pensionable,” the union stated.
Staffing shortages, another major concern raised by the union, were also addressed. Under the agreement, the county will recruit 20 doctors on permanent and pensionable terms. 14 doctors will be employed immediately, while the remaining six will be recruited in January 2026.
The agreement further resolves disputes over statutory deductions, with the county confirming that all outstanding statutory remittances have been fully paid.
KMPDU acknowledged the county government’s commitments and described the engagement as being conducted in good faith. The union said the agreement demonstrates the value of dialogue in resolving labour disputes and safeguarding public healthcare services.
The strike followed a hard-hitting letter dated November 17, 2025, delivered to the County Secretary, in which the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Dr Davji Atellah, accused the county of consistently failing to engage constructively.
The KMPDU Secretary General also accused the county of disregarding a Bipartisan Committee Report and resolutions signed on January 17, 2024, which had outlined agreed interventions on doctors’ welfare.
“The continued disregard of this agreement constitutes a breach of good faith and undermines the principles of social dialogue and industrial harmony,” said Dr Atellah.
Among the unresolved issues were delayed promotions, a persistent shortage of doctors, non-remittance of statutory deductions, and what the union described as the county’s continued reliance on temporary staff instead of permanent employment.
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