Nairobi County Claims Progress on Striking Doctors, Urges Immediate Return to Duty as Public Health Services Resume

The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) says it has made progress in addressing the demands of striking doctors and clinical officers. The ongoing strike has paralysed public health services in the capital. The county insists it is committed to dialogue while ensuring essential healthcare remains available.

County Executive Committee Member for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, Suzanne Silantoi, said NCCG has held continuous talks with health sector unions. She added that key reforms have been implemented to improve workers’ welfare. The county has rolled out medical cover under the SHA Civil Servants Scheme. Promotions across common job groups have been advanced. A Ksh.424 million budget has been set aside to clear all pending promotions. More than 98 percent of health workers are now permanent and pensionable. All salaries and statutory deductions have been paid.

Despite these measures, NCCG ordered striking doctors and clinical officers to resume work within 12 hours. The county warned that failure to comply will lead to disciplinary action and loss of pay. Silantoi reassured residents that public health services remain operational in all county facilities. “The Nairobi City County Government remains fully committed to resolving labour-related issues through dialogue, while ensuring that healthcare services continue uninterrupted for all Nairobi residents,” she said.

The county clarified that gratuity obligations from the former Nairobi Metropolitan Services fall under the national government. NCCG will settle gratuity for periods served under the county. The government continues to engage national authorities for a lasting solution. Silantoi criticised the politicisation of the strike. She stressed that patient welfare must remain a priority. “While dialogue remains open, the disruption of essential health services is unacceptable. All health workers on strike must return to duty to safeguard the well-being of Nairobians,” she added.

The strike has lasted three weeks. Doctors have withdrawn services for 27 days. Clinical officers have downed tools for 23 days. Grievances include salary arrears, implementing the salary review, operationalising the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and permanent employment for Universal Health Coverage staff. NCCG urged workers to return. Residents are assured that healthcare services remain accessible across all county facilities.