The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced the suspension of the strike notice by Meru County doctors, originally set to expire on 6th March 2026, following successful negotiations with the county government of Meru.

Confirming the suspension on his social media handle on Thursday, March 5, 2026, KMPDU National Chairperson Abi Mwachi has said that the agreement, which was formally signed by both parties, addresses key concerns raised by the doctors, including promotions, contractual terms, and study leave arrangements.

“We have just concluded and signed an agreement with the county government of Meru, effectively suspending the strike notice set to expire on 6th March 2026,” Mwachi’s statement read in part.

Doctors under promotion

The KMPDU chairperson has said that all common cadre promotions will be processed right away and will show up in March’s salaries. He also confirmed that the medical consultants due for redesignation will undergo suitability interviews this month, with their promotions expected to be reflected in April payslips. In addition, 14 consultants in Job Group Q will be upgraded to Job Group R by 18th March 2026, with the changes reflecting in their pay in March.

Doctors on contractual employment

The KMPDU has further confirmed the agreement with the county government on doctors under contractual employment. In the agreement, the county has agreed to harmonise all suboptimal contractual terms in line with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) immediately, effective in March salaries.

Additionally, eight doctors on contract who have been shortlisted for external interviews will be converted to Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms by 18th May 2026, while the other 17 doctors will transition to P&P terms in the next financial year.

According to the union, the county has also agreed to release doctors on study leave, in which four doctors will be released for studies on a first-come, first-served basis once recruitment processes are complete. In the meantime, the two doctors currently enrolled in studies will receive immediate release letters.

KMPDU thanked its members for their support and stressed how important it is to protect the rights and dignity of medical professionals.

The chairperson of the union said that the agreement marks a significant step toward improving working conditions for Meru County doctors while underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure full implementation of the negotiated terms.