Mombasa Doctors Call Off Planned Strike After Deal With County Government
Health Updated: 04 March 2026 18:49 EAT
Doctors in Mombasa County have called off a planned strike after reaching a last-minute agreement with the county government led by Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, averting a major disruption of health services across public facilities.
The strike, which had been scheduled to begin at midnight on March 3, 2026, was suspended following hours of negotiations between officials from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and county leaders.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the breakthrough came after union representatives presented a list of grievances, particularly delayed career promotions and stalled human resource actions, which the county pledged to address.
Under the agreement, 105 doctors will be promoted by April 1, 2026, with an additional 20 promotions scheduled for July 1. The promotions cover multiple job groups after years of stagnation, union officials said.
The county also committed to reviewing the status of doctors on contract, with plans to convert them to permanent and pensionable terms by June 1, 2026, improving job security and career progression.
A key grievance over delayed statutory and SACCO remittances was also resolved. Both sides agreed that two months were outstanding, with the county committing to clear one month by June and the remainder in the next financial year.
Doctors had also protested the interdiction of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO, Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, which the union described as procedurally defective. By the time of the talks, the interdiction had been lifted and the matter was being handled through the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Both parties agreed on broader assurances to shield medical practice from political interference, with Governor Nassir pledging support for doctors to perform their duties without undue influence from politicians.
While technical teams will finalise the documentation of the agreement, union leaders said the main substantive issues had been agreed in principle, and public health services in Mombasa will continue without disruption.
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FELIX MAKONA
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