A protracted doctors’ strike that has paralyzed health services in Kiambu County since May 5, 2025, moved closer to a resolution today after the Departmental Committee on Health Services intervened in a high-level meeting between the striking doctors’ union and the County Government.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Joseph Muhinja, convened with representatives from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the County Executive Department of Health to address the year-and-a-half-long impasse that has led to tragic consequences for residents.
While the two parties—KMPDU, represented by its Chairperson Dr. James Githinji and Branch Administrator Mr. William Muriuki, and the County Government, represented by CECM for Health Dr. Elias Maina and Chief Officer Dr. Patrick Nyaga—have reached consensus on 10 key issues, the signing of a return-to-work formula remains stalled over a single, crucial demand: the non-victimization of striking doctors.
KMPDU emphatically stated that the inclusion of a non-retaliation clause is non-negotiable, stressing that it is essential to protect their members from any form of intimidation, discrimination, or punitive action upon their return to duty.
Dr. Nyaga, speaking for the County Government, acknowledged the differences in the proposed wording but affirmed the executive’s willingness to adopt a “legally sound and agreeable approach” to the clause.
The Health Committee expressed deep concern over the continued suffering of Kiambu residents, noting that many have been forced to seek costly private healthcare, while others have been left without treatment altogether. Members highlighted that lives have already been lost due to the crisis and urgently appealed to both sides to act with responsibility.
In an immediate directive, the Committee called for the strike to end with immediate effect. However, the formal cessation of the industrial action is contingent on resolving the outstanding issue of the non-victimization clause.
To break the deadlock, the Committee formed an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with immediately finalizing the wording of the disputed clause and ensuring the Return-to-Work Formula is signed by tomorrow. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) further urged the executive to provide a guarantee of zero intimidation or retaliation against the returning medical staff.
The Committee reassured Kiambu residents that it is actively working to fast-track the resolution and facilitate the doctors’ return to work without further delay, offering a glimmer of hope that the county’s healthcare system may soon be back on its feet.
