The long-running standoff between doctors and the Kiambu County Government is finally nearing an end after both sides agreed on a payment plan for the salaries withheld during the strike.
This decision was reached in a consultative meeting organized by the Council of Governors to find a permanent solution to the stalemate that has crippled health services in the county for months.
Doctors in Kiambu have been on strike for more than four months, leaving hospitals understaffed and patients struggling to access essential medical services.
The meeting, which brought together representatives from the county government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, resulted in an agreement that the county would pay one month’s withheld salary together with the October pay.
The remaining three months will be cleared in the 2026/2027 financial year. This deal was viewed as a significant step towards restoring operations in the county’s health facilities.
The county administration also committed to reinstate the deduction and remittance of union dues immediately.
Any pending union contributions will be settled in line with the agreed Return-to-Work formula. Additionally, the county promised that no doctor who participated in the strike would face disciplinary action, a move meant to build trust and foster reconciliation between the two sides.
Council of Governors whip Muthomi Njuki said the resolution marked progress in addressing the doctors’ concerns while also ensuring that public health services resume without further delay. He urged the county and the union to continue engaging in dialogue rather than confrontation whenever disputes arise.
The CoG emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating that restoring stability in the health sector should be a shared priority.
The statement from the CoG encouraged doctors to return to their duty stations and resume offering services to the residents of Kiambu. It also reminded them of their moral obligation to save lives, noting that their role in society remains crucial regardless of ongoing disagreements.
The council reaffirmed its support for the welfare of doctors, acknowledging their efforts and sacrifices in improving healthcare delivery.
For months, the union has accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration of failing to honor previous agreements and neglecting the welfare of both doctors and patients. The prolonged strike had forced many residents to seek treatment in neighboring counties or private hospitals, increasing costs and hardship for low-income families.
The new agreement now gives hope that medical services in Kiambu will soon return to normal and that dialogue will replace disputes in handling future issues between the county and healthcare workers.
