Kiambu County agrees to pay doctors' salary arrears amid ongoing strike

This was agreed upon during a consultative meeting convened by the Council of Governors (CoG) in an effort to find a lasting solution between the Kiambu County Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

The doctors have been on strike for over four months, paralysing medical services in the county. 

In a statement, Muthomi Njuki, Council of Governors whip, declared that the County would pay the striking doctors one month's dues, alongside the October salary. The pending three months' arrears would be settled in the 2026/27 financial year. 

Further, the County Government agreed to reinstate the deduction and remittance of Union dues forthwith. Any pending union dues would be paid as per the Return-to-Work formula. 

During the meeting, it was also resolved that the employer will not victimise the doctors who took part in the ongoing strike. 

The CoG called upon the County Government and the Union to embrace dialogue to resolve the issues and restore normalcy in the health sector. 

"We appeal to the doctors to always remember their highest call which is to protect and preserve life. We urge all doctors in Kiambu County to accept the goodwill extended by the County Government and for the KMPDU to call off the strike," the statement read in part. 

"We remain committed to the doctors' cause for the betterment of the lives of Kenyans."

For months, the union has accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration of ignoring a return-to-work agreement signed last year and of neglecting the suffering of residents who have been adversely affected by the health crisis.