A persistent doctors’ strike in Kiambu County has paralyzed healthcare services for over three months, leaving residents, particularly the most vulnerable, without access to essential medical care. The industrial action, now in its 112th day, has been a major source of concern for both the public and local organizations.
The strike stems from long-standing grievances, including delayed salaries and allowances, a hostile working environment, and the county government’s alleged failure to honor a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU). The situation has reportedly forced many residents to seek services at costly private facilities.
In a letter addressed to Governor Kimani Wamatangi, the Ndenderu Ward United CBO expressed its “deep concern” over the strike and its “devastating impact” on healthcare. The CBO chairman, John Mweha Kariuki, acknowledged the governor’s efforts to improve health infrastructure but warned that the ongoing industrial action risks reversing the progress made. The CBO has appealed to Governor Wamatangi to personally intervene and facilitate a “constructive dialogue” between the county government, KMPDU, and other stakeholders to find an amicable solution.
The CBO’s appeal is supported by a petition from the business community and residents of Kiambu County, which also urges the County Assembly to ensure the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances.
The Kiambu County Branch of the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) also issued a notice to the County Secretary, citing persistent salary delays as a fundamental breach of employment contracts. The union’s branch secretary, Moses Ndungu, stated that withholding salaries for up to two months “beckons a repudiation of a fundamental obligation under the employment contract” and creates a “hostile work environment.” The union announced that its members would not report to work on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and would instead congregate at the County Treasury Headquarters to demand their unpaid salaries.
The county government through a response to the workers wrote,
” we’ve just held talks with the Ag, County Secretary on the current status of unpaid salaries. On behalf of management he regretted that they have not been able to access the funds from the COB and that it’s not an isolated case but a national crisis.
He however noted that the county is committed to making timely payments when there are no cash flow issues. Going forward he has also noted the need to making communication when such delays are experienced so that officers are well informed.
However, we have expressed our frustrations that employees cannot meet basic obligations that include feeding our families among other critical responsibilities.
Whereas we somehow understand how desperate the executive is to pay the wages due, it must also recognize the helplessness we tolerate as public servants when such salaries are paid late. Consequently, we encourage reintroduction of the bank facility that allowed payment of net salary during events of such nature,” read the statement to workers.
The striking doctors have been unwavering in their resolve, with KMPDU maintaining that they will not resume work until all their demands are met. The issues they’ve raised include a lack of medicines, understaffed facilities, and a failure to pay interns in line with the CBA.
As the standoff continues, the focus is now on the governor’s office to find a swift and lasting solution. The various calls from civil society organizations and unions underscore the urgency of the matter, emphasizing that the health and well-being of Kiambu residents are at risk.
