Doctors Stand Down as Mombasa County Secures Last-Minute Agreement to Prevent Strike

Health services in Mombasa will continue without interruption after doctors cancelled a planned strike following successful negotiations with the county government. The agreement was reached just hours before the industrial action was set to begin, easing fears of disruption in public hospitals.

The dispute had centered on delayed promotions, employment terms, and unpaid statutory deductions. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had previously warned that its members would down tools unless long-standing grievances were addressed. Talks between union officials and the county leadership eventually produced a solution.

Union leaders confirmed the breakthrough after a series of meetings with Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir’s administration. KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah described the outcome as a positive step forward, stating, “We are pleased to announce that a formal agreement has been reached.” He emphasized that the union will track progress to ensure commitments are fulfilled within the agreed timelines.

Under the new arrangement, several doctors awaiting career advancement will receive promotion letters in phases over the coming months. The structured rollout aims to clear accumulated backlogs that had contributed to low morale among medical staff. Union representatives say the plan restores fairness in career progression.

The agreement also converts dozens of doctors serving on contracts into permanent and pensionable positions. Officials believe this move will improve job stability and strengthen service delivery across county facilities. Health workers had raised concerns about uncertainty surrounding their employment status.

Additionally, the county government has committed to settling outstanding statutory deductions that had not been remitted on time. Clearing these payments is expected to resolve financial anxieties affecting staff.

With tensions resolved for now, hospitals in Mombasa can operate normally. Patients and residents have welcomed the development, hoping sustained dialogue between the two sides will prevent future disputes and support stronger healthcare services in the county.