KMPDU threatens 21-day strike as Homa Bay doctors raise grievances
By Faith Lagat, January 10, 2026The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a 21-day strike notice to the Homa Bay County Government following a consultative meeting with local doctors, citing unresolved welfare and employment issues that could disrupt healthcare services if not addressed promptly.
Doctors highlight long-standing grievances
In a post on X, KMPDU revealed that its Deputy Secretary General, Dr. @MiskellahMD, joined the Nyanza Branch leadership for a Kamukunji with Homa Bay doctors to deliberate on persistent challenges.
The union listed critical issues affecting medics, including delayed and denied promotions and redesignations, non-remittance of statutory deductions such as union dues, lack of medical cover, severe doctor shortages, harassment by county officials, denial of study leave, and arbitrary stoppage or illegal withholding of salaries.
“Our Deputy Secretary General, Dr. @MiskellahMD joined the Nyanza Branch leadership for a Kamukunji with Homa Bay doctors to deliberate on critical issues affecting them, including: [list above].
“The meeting resolved, in no uncertain terms, that these matters are too urgent to be deferred. Consequently, the Union shall issue a 21-day strike notice to compel the County Government of Homa Bay to urgently address these grievances,” the KMPDU statement read.
Pattern of industrial unrest in health sector
The Homa Bay escalation reflects ongoing tensions in Kenya’s devolved health sector, where similar disputes over Collective Bargaining Agreements, promotions, and staffing shortages have triggered strikes in counties such as Embu and Kiambu.
In Embu, a strike in December 2025 ended after authorities agreed to promote consultants, convert contract doctors to permanent terms, and hire additional staff, demonstrating the impact of structured negotiations.
Urgent calls for engagement
KMPDU’s formal notice signals the union’s strategy to compel accountability and ensure dialogue, as repeated verbal assurances have failed to resolve issues over the years. With critical doctor shortages already straining health services in Homa Bay, a prolonged strike could severely affect patient care, forcing residents to seek alternatives or go without essential medical attention.
County authorities are urged to engage swiftly to avert disruption and restore confidence in the local health system. The next three weeks will be decisive in determining whether dialogue succeeds or a full-scale strike occurs.