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Doctors in Mombasa County have declared a total withdrawal of services starting midnight on March 3, intensifying their dispute with the county government over alleged labour and human resource violations.
In a strike notice issued Tuesday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) confirmed that the seven-day notice earlier served to the county had expired without meaningful action being taken.
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KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said doctors had turned out in large numbers to reaffirm their commitment to the industrial action.
“Let it be clear that we do not issue notices lightly,” Atellah said, confirming the strike would begin at 12:00 a.m. on March 3, 2026.
The union outlined four major concerns prompting the strike. Chief among them is the alleged failure by the county to remit statutory and third-party deductions for at least five months, including contributions to Afya SACCO. Although the deductions appear on payslips, the funds were reportedly not forwarded to the relevant institutions, leading to some doctors being negatively listed by Credit Reference Bureaus.
KMPDU said the issue has caused financial and reputational harm to affected members.
The union also cited stalled career advancement, stating that 28 doctors have awaited redesignation since July 2022, while 45 consultants remain unrecognised despite meeting qualification requirements. It described the delays as systemic and demoralising.
Additionally, the union raised concerns about more than 60 doctors serving on what it termed insecure contract terms, as well as the continued use of a manual payroll system, which it argued lacks transparency and exposes staff to salary discrepancies.
Atellah praised members for their unity and resolve, saying the strike is aimed at defending professional rights and dignity.
While acknowledging that the action will disrupt healthcare services in the county, he placed responsibility on the county administration.
“Our demands are legitimate, and our stand is firm,” he said, reiterating the union’s stance: “No retreat. No surrender.”
