Mombasa doctors converge to announce the commencement of their strike on Tuesday midnight, March 3, 2026. /HANDOUTDoctors in Mombasa County have declared a full withdrawal of services effective midnight on March 3, escalating a standoff with the county administration over what they claimed were persistent violations of labour rights and human resource obligations.
In a formal strike commencement notice issued on Tuesday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) confirmed that the seven-day strike notice served on the county government had lapsed without substantive action.
KMPDU secretary general Dr Davji Atellah said doctors had responded in overwhelming numbers to reaffirm their resolve ahead of the industrial action.
“Let it be unequivocally known: we do not issue notices in vain,” Atellah stated, underscoring that the strike would commence at 00:00 hours on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The union cited four principal grievances that it said left its members with no viable alternative but to down their tools.
According to the union, their statutory and third-party deductions have been withheld for at least five months, including remittances to Afya SACCO. Although deductions were reflected on doctors’ payslips, the funds were not transmitted to the relevant institutions. As a result, several doctors have reportedly been blacklisted by Credit Reference Bureaus for financial obligations that had already been deducted at source.
The union argued that the situation has exposed members to reputational and economic harm through no fault of their own.
The strike notice also cited prolonged delays in career progression.
According to KMPDU, 28 doctors have awaited redesignation since July 2022, while 45 consultants remain formally unrecognised despite meeting all requisite qualifications.
The union termed this “systemic stagnation,” saying the freeze in promotions has undermined morale and professional growth within the county health system.
KMPDU further protested what it described as “contractual injustice,” stating that more than 60 doctors continue to serve under precarious contract arrangements.
The union also raised concerns over what it termed a non-transparent manual payroll system, which it said weakens accountability and exposes doctors to irregularities in salary administration.
Addressing union members, Atellah praised their turnout and solidarity.
“To our members: your presence and solidarity today demonstrate that we are united, disciplined, and unwavering,” he said.
He maintained that the strike is grounded in lawful demands and framed it as a stand for professional dignity.
“Our demands are just. Our cause is lawful. Our resolve is firm,” he said.
Atellah also acknowledged the disruption the strike would cause to healthcare services in Mombasa County, expressing regret.
“To the public: we deeply regret the paralysis of healthcare services. However, responsibility rests squarely with the county government,” he said.
“No retreat. No surrender,” Atellah declared, as the union reaffirmed its stance ahead of the strike’s commencement.
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