KMPDU Condemns Threats to Sack Striking Doctors in Kiambu

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has strongly condemned threats by the Kiambu County Government to dismiss doctors currently participating in a legal strike. The union termed the move not only illegal but also a direct violation of the medics’ constitutional rights.

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah affirmed that the ongoing strike is legally protected and was necessitated by longstanding issues the county government has failed to address.

“These threats are unacceptable. The doctors in Kiambu are exercising their constitutional right to strike due to legitimate grievances that have gone unaddressed,” said Dr. Atellah.

Among the key issues raised by the striking doctors are delayed statutory remittances, denial of sick leave, poor working conditions, lack of promotions for over a decade, and punitive treatment of medics who speak out.

According to the union, the county’s failure to remit deductions to statutory bodies has left some doctors unable to access medical care, evicted from houses over unpaid rent, and blacklisted by banks.

“We issued a notice to the Kiambu County Government on May 5, 2025. No meeting was held, and no attempt was made to resolve these matters. The strike was forced upon us by the county’s inaction,” Dr. Atellah added.

The strike, which began earlier this week, has thrown medical services across the county into disarray, with hospitals reporting major disruptions.

KMPDU National Chairman Dr. Abi Mwachi echoed the concerns, pointing to a decade-long stagnation in doctors’ promotions and punitive responses to whistleblowers within the county’s health system.

“The foremost grievance is the lack of promotions, some dating as far back as ten years. Doctors who question the administration are victimized,” he said.

The union has now warned that if Kiambu County does not resolve the crisis urgently, the strike could expand into a nationwide industrial action.

“If the county dares to take disciplinary action against any of our members, it will no longer be just Kiambu’s issue — it will be a national one,” Dr. Atellah warned.

The Governor Kimani Wamatangi-led administration is yet to issue an official response to the union’s demands.

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KMPDU Condemns Threats to Sack Striking Doctors in Kiambu