Relief as Embu doctors strike deal to end strike
By Kiprono Keileb, December 16, 2025Doctors in Embu County have officially called off their strike after reaching an agreement with the county government that addresses long-standing grievances around promotions, job security, recruitment and unpaid statutory deductions.
The industrial action, which began on December 1, 2025, following a strike notice issued on November 17, had disrupted services in public health facilities across the county. Patients were forced to seek alternative care as doctors downed their tools, citing stalled promotions, delayed confirmations to permanent terms and poor engagement by the employer.
However, following fresh talks between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Embu County Government, the two sides struck a deal that paved the way for doctors to return to work. The meeting was led by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and culminated in a Return to Work Formula (RTWF) that will be adopted in court.
In its statement shared on X on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, KMPDU confirmed that all issues raised by doctors had been resolved through the agreement.
“Following a consultative meeting between KMPDU and the Government of Embu County, led by H.E. Governor Cecily Mbarire, all issues arising from the strike notice of 17 November 2025 and the industrial action that began on 1 December 2025 have been resolved,” the union said.
One of the major breakthroughs involves promotions, an issue that had frustrated many doctors for years. According to KMPDU, dozens of doctors have already benefited, with more set to follow early next year.
“Fifty-nine (59) doctors have been promoted under the August 2024 RTWF. The remaining nineteen (19) consultants will be promoted by 15 January 2026, reflected in January 2026 payslips,” the statement reads.
The agreement also delivers a major win on job security, particularly for doctors who had been working on short-term contracts.
“All thirty (30) contract doctors have been converted to permanent and pensionable terms. All future doctor appointments in Embu County will be permanent and pensionable,” KMPDU said.
To ease staff shortages in county hospitals, the county government also committed to hiring additional doctors.
“Twenty (20) doctors will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms: fourteen (14) immediately and six (6) in January 2026,” the union stated.
Another sticking point during the strike was the failure to remit statutory deductions, which doctors said exposed them to penalties and financial risk. The union confirmed this has now been fully addressed.
“All outstanding statutory deductions have been fully remitted,” KMPDU said.
Welcoming the outcome, the union praised the county government for engaging in good faith and honouring its commitments, noting that the deal restores dignity to doctors and stability to healthcare services in Embu.
“KMPDU acknowledges these firm commitments and the County’s good-faith engagement. Unity works. No doctor is left behind,” the statement concluded.