Trans Nzoia doctors call off strike after deal with county

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya chairs a meeting with KMPDU officials led by secretary general Dr Davji Atellah on promotions and contracts, March 5, 2026. /KMPDU

Doctors in Trans Nzoia county have called off a looming strike after reaching an agreement with the county government on promotions, employment terms and medical insurance, bringing an end to weeks of tension between the two sides.

The breakthrough follows negotiations between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the county administration led by Governor George Natembeya after the union issued a strike notice on February 4, 2026.

In the agreement, the county committed to implementing a series of long-pending promotions affecting doctors across several job groups, as well as converting some doctors currently serving on contract terms to permanent and pensionable employment.

Under the deal, 22 doctors currently serving in Job Group N will be promoted to Job Group P by March 17, 2026, in line with timelines set by the County Public Service Board.

Doctors in Job Group P who had already been interviewed for promotion to Job Group Q will also receive their promotions by the same date.

The agreement further provides that all pending promotions affecting doctors in Job Groups Q, R and S will be finalised within 90 days from February 17, 2026.

The promotions will come with corresponding financial adjustments to ensure the affected doctors receive the salaries and benefits attached to their new grades.

The county government also agreed to address employment security for doctors serving on temporary contracts.

The deal effectively withdraws the strike notice. /KMPDU

According to the agreement, 12 doctors currently working on contract will be converted to permanent and pensionable terms by March 31, 2026, a move expected to improve job stability within the county’s health workforce.

Medical insurance cover for doctors was another key issue raised during the negotiations. 

The county confirmed that the existing medical insurance scheme remains valid and assured doctors that a new comprehensive cover will be procured before the current one expires, to guarantee uninterrupted access to healthcare services for medical staff.

KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah welcomed the agreement, describing it as the result of collective resolve and sustained engagement between the union and the county government.

“This agreement is a product of unity, resolve and structured engagement,” Atellah said.

Doctors keenly follow negotiations during the meeting. /KMPDU

The SG added that the union will continue monitoring the implementation of the commitments to ensure the agreed timelines are honoured.

“We remain vigilant to ensure full implementation within the agreed timelines,” he said.

The deal effectively diffuses a strike threat that had raised fears of disruption to healthcare services in the county.

Industrial action by doctors often leads to suspension of non-emergency services in public hospitals, leaving thousands of patients without access to care.

KMPDU framed the agreement as part of its broader push to safeguard the welfare and professional dignity of doctors working in the public sector.

“Dignity for doctors. Accountability in leadership. Service to the people,” Atellah said.

The deal effectively withdraws the strike notice.