Kwale doctors to strike over delayed pay, poor working conditions
Coast
By
Patrick Beja
| Jun 13, 2025
The doctors’ union has announced that its members in Kwale County will go on strike on June 29, over a raft of grievances.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) said the devolved unit has failed to address their concerns.
“Salaries and allowances for our members continue to be delayed and remain incomplete,” said a notice issued on June 9 this year.
It was signed by KMPDU secretary general Dr Davji Atellah and served on the Kwale County secretary and chief officer for curative and rehabilitative services, respectively, on June 11, this year.
The union complained that many of its members have been denied their rightful promotions after meeting all requirements under the Public Service Scheme of Service (2016).
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In the notice, Dr Atellah also complained that many members seeking to upgrade their qualifications have been denied study leave, contravening both county policy and national terms of service.
The union also complained of poor working conditions and staffing shortages in the county in the health department.
“Health facilities in Kwale county remain understaffed and under-resourced, severely compromising the working environment,” said Atellah.
The union said issues raised with the county government remained unresolved despite previous engagements, including the return to work formula signed on May 8, last year, and the intention to strike notice dated December 20, last year.
“In light of the above, we hereby demand immediate processing of all pending promotions in accordance with the Scheme of Service (2016). . . .Assurance of timely and complete payment of all salaries and allowances,” said Atellah.
The union called for the unconditional granting of approved study leave requests and deployment of additional medical staff to improve working conditions.
“Take notice that unless these issues are fully resolved within 21 days of the date hereof, all doctors working in Kwale County shall withdraw their services,” he stated.
A copy of the notice was copied to Kwale governor Fatuma Achani and Kwale County Assembly clerk Ms Fatuma Mwalupa, among others.