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The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called off the planned doctors’ strike in Meru County after reaching a fresh agreement with the county government, just days before the strike notice was due to expire on March 6, 2026.
According to the union’s national chairperson, Abidan Mwachi, the deal resolves key issues that doctors had raised for years, including promotions, contract terms and access to study leave. He described the agreement as a significant win for healthcare workers in the county.
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Under the new arrangement, promotions for common cadre doctors will be processed immediately and reflected in the March payroll. Consultants awaiting redesignation will undergo suitability interviews later this month, with their promotions expected to appear in April salaries.
In addition, 14 consultants currently in Job Group Q will be upgraded to Job Group R by March 18, 2026, with the changes captured in the March pay cycle.
The agreement also addresses contract employment, with plans to align all contracts with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Eight doctors who have already been shortlisted for external interviews will transition to permanent and pensionable terms by May 18, 2026, while the remaining 17 doctors are expected to receive similar terms during the 2026/2027 financial year.
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Regarding study leave, four doctors will be released to pursue further training once recruitment is completed, following a first-come, first-served arrangement. Two doctors already undertaking studies will receive their official release letters immediately.
Mwachi thanked union members for supporting the leadership during the negotiations and urged doctors to continue serving patients while closely monitoring the implementation of the agreed measures.
