The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Davji Atellah, has issued a list of demands to the Meru County government at the height of a steaming doctors strike.

In a statement on his official X account on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the KMPDU secretary general firmly stated that the union will no longer accept delays following recent discussions with the County government.

On his part, Atellah affirmed that KMPDU remains firmly committed to defending the rights and welfare of doctors in Meru County.

“Following recent engagements, KMPDU remains firmly committed to defending the rights and welfare of doctors in Meru County. On Thursday, February 25th, 2026, we held a consultative meeting with our members to address the increasingly challenging working environment they continue to face,” said Atellah.

According to the KMPDU boss, the discussions came in the context of the official 14-day strike notice issued by the Union on February 20th, 2026.

Further explaining that as of February 26th, the Union engaged the Meru County Government in a marathon five-hour meeting aimed at resolving the outstanding grievances.

However, Davji noted that while both parties agreed to continue discussions next week, the Union’s position is unequivocal, demanding that dialogue must translate into concrete action.

He went on stating that the Union will not accept any delays by the Meru County government.

“Our position is unequivocal: dialogue must now translate into concrete action. Delays will no longer be acceptable; we need solutions,” said Atellah.

Core issues requiring immediate resolution

The KMPDU has listed at least four urgent areas that ought to be addressed to safeguard both doctors’ welfare and the stability of healthcare services in Meru County.

The areas include delayed promotions, doctor shortage, denied study leave and contractual employment

“Delayed Promotions – Our members cannot continue delivering specialized care while their career progression remains stalled for years. Denied Study Leave – Blocking academic and professional advancement undermines the long-term strength of the healthcare system,” said Atellah.

“Contractual Employment – Doctors must be placed on proper permanent and pensionable terms in line with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Contract employment creates insecurity and violates agreed frameworks,” he explained.

“Critical Doctor Shortage – Current staffing levels are unsustainable and place both doctors and patients at risk. The 14-day notice period that began on February 20th is steadily running out,” Atellah added.

KMPDU has stated that unless the four issues are fully resolved during the upcoming engagements, a full industrial strike will commence on March 6th, 2026.

Adding that it remains open to meaningful engagement, but are fully prepared to take decisive action to protect the dignity of the medical profession.