Meru, Isiolo face health crisis as doctors issue 21-day strike notices

• Doctors in Meru and Isiolo counties have issued fresh 21-day strike notices, piling pressure on county governments already facing mounting criticism
• KMPDU says unresolved grievances, including delayed salaries, staffing shortages, stalled promotions and unpaid statutory deductions, have pushed medics to the edge
• The union warned that all doctors in the two counties will withdraw services from June 2 if the demands are not fully addressed

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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has five years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Doctors in Meru and Isiolo counties are threatening to down tools over delayed salaries, promotions and staffing crises.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued separate 21-day strike notices to the governments of Meru county and Isiolo county, citing long-standing labour disputes affecting doctors.

In the notices signed by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah, the union accused the two county administrations of failing to resolve key issues affecting healthcare workers despite previous engagements.

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What are the grievances of Isiolo doctors?

In Isiolo county, the union painted a grim picture of a collapsing health system, claiming doctors have endured years of delayed promotions and chronic salary delays.

According to the notice, some doctors have allegedly remained in the same job group for years without career progression, contrary to the scheme of service.

“Our members have faced decade-long stagnation. We cite the egregious case of a doctor remaining in job group Q for three consecutive gubernatorial terms. This refusal to implement career progression is a violation of the scheme of service and a direct blow to morale,” the notice read.

KMPDU further accused the county government of failing to remit statutory deductions and pension contributions for months, while doctors reportedly continue making out-of-pocket payments for healthcare despite deductions being made from their salaries.

The union also raised alarm over acute staff shortages at Isiolo Level 5 Hospital, alleging that only seven medical officers are currently handling workloads meant for about 50 doctors.

KMPDU additionally claimed that doctors in the county operate under intimidation and a hostile working environment created by senior county officials.

“While over KSh 7,000 is deducted for SHA, doctors are forced to pay for healthcare out of pocket…We strongly condemn the culture of fear and intimidation orchestrated by senior county senior county officials. Doctors must be allowed to exercise their professional independence without the threat of administrative victimisation,” it added.

Meru doctors to commence strike in 21 days

In Meru county, the union cited several unresolved grievances, including failure to implement study leave provisions due to staff shortages, unpaid arrears linked to Salaries and Remuneration Commission reviews, and budget reallocations that allegedly affected funds meant to address doctors’ concerns.

“Doctors face unsustainable workloads, fatigue, and burnout. The staffing gap contravenes the constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health and efficient service delivery,” KMPDU said.

The union warned that unless all the issues are resolved within 21 days, doctors in both counties will withdraw their services effective midnight on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

“We demand that the county government(s) addresses all the aforementioned concerns in their entiretity within the next twenty one days. Take notice that upon the expiry of this 21-day period, if the county government(s) fail to meet these demands in totality, all doctors shall withdraw their services and down tools effective midnight on June 2,” the union added.

KMPDU, however, said it remains open to negotiations, provided the talks lead to tangible implementation of the agreed demands.

Source: TUKO.co.ke