- KMPDU has warned that it could issue a strike notice on November 1 if 27 counties fail to implement agreed salary adjustments for doctors
- An internal union audit reportedly found that only 20 counties had implemented the changes
- The union has named 27 counties, including Kisumu, Meru, Kakamega and Nyeri, and says it will not hold further discussions
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to issue a strike notice on November 1, 2026, if 27 county governments fail to implement agreed salary adjustments for doctors.
Source: Facebook
In a letter dated October 19 and addressed to Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson Muthomi Njuki, KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah said an internal audit found that only 20 counties had implemented the salary changes by the end of September.
The union accused the remaining counties of failing to comply with a CoG circular issued on July 22, 2026, directing county governments to adjust doctors’ basic salaries in line with the agreed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rates.
The changes were expected to take effect from the August 2026 payroll.
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Why is KMPDU threatening to issue a strike notice?
Atellah maintained that the outstanding salary adjustments should be implemented immediately, arguing that the matter did not require further negotiations.
He said the union’s National Advisory Council (NAC), during a meeting held on October 16, resolved that a formal strike notice should be issued if the affected counties failed to comply.
“During the KMPDU National Advisory Council (NAC) meeting held on October 16, 2026, the council resolved and directed the union to issue an official strike notice on November 1, 2026, without any further reference or communication to your office if full compliance is not achieved,” Atellah stated in the letter.
The warning puts pressure on the affected county governments to implement the agreed salary changes before the union takes the next step towards industrial action.
27 counties fail to implement doctors’ salary adjustments
KMPDU listed the following counties as yet to fully implement the agreed salary changes:
Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kwale, Lamu, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Baringo, Samburu, Kisumu, Bomet, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Embu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Kakamega and Vihiga.
The union has called on the Council of Governors to ensure all affected counties comply with the July circular.
KMPDU indicated that it would not engage in further communication with the council before issuing the strike notice if the salary adjustments remain outstanding.
The threatened action comes amid continued pressure on county governments to honour the agreed terms of doctors’ employment and remuneration.
Source: TUKO.co.ke