After five months of industrial paralysis, doctors in Kiambu County have finally called off their strike following the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula with the County Government.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Davji Bhimji Atellah confirmed the resolution on Friday, saying the agreement marked the end of a “steadfast struggle” that had tested the resilience of medical staff across the county.

“After five months of principled engagement and unwavering solidarity, we have today signed a Return-to-Work Formula, officially bringing the industrial action to a close,” Atellah announced through a post on X.

He said the deal secured crucial commitments to safeguard the welfare of doctors and restore dignity in county hospitals.

Also Read: Doctors Union Chief Details Next Steps in Kiambu Health Dispute Following Kuria Talks

Key Gains for Doctors

The agreement outlines nine major resolutions that led to the doctors’ decision to resume work.

1. Timely Salary Disbursement: The county government has agreed to ensure all doctors are paid on time.

Any salary delays due to late exchequer releases must be formally communicated to the union.

2. Promotion and Career Progression: Stalled promotions will be expedited, with specific timelines: Job Groups M–P within two weeks, and Q–S within six weeks.

3. Continuous Medical Insurance Cover: All doctors will now benefit from a continuous, comprehensive medical cover.

4. Payment of SHA Deductions: All Social Health Authority deductions will be remitted before the 9th of every month to avoid interruptions in insurance coverage.

5. Procedural Transfers and Allowances: Transfer policies are to be published within seven days, while pending allowances will be paid promptly, bringing transparency to what the union called “a previously abused process.”

6. 40-Hour Work Week Compliance: The county will implement a structured system ensuring doctors work no more than 40 hours weekly, with proper compensation for overtime and on-call duties.

7. Union Dues Remittance: Union dues will be deducted and remitted as required by law to sustain union operations.

8. Protection Against Victimization: The agreement shields all striking doctors and union officials from any form of discrimination or punitive transfers.

In addition, one month’s salary will be paid immediately upon return to duty.

9. Withdrawal of Court Cases: Both sides agreed to withdraw all ongoing legal proceedings, including claims, counterclaims, and contempt cases, to restore industrial harmony.

Also Read: Kiambu County to Pay Doctors One Month’s Salary to End Strike

Union Lauds Doctors’ Resilience

Atellah praised the doctors for their unity and sacrifice, saying their persistence had set a precedent for fair treatment in the health sector.

“Your resilience has defended not only your rights but also the right of every patient to be served by a dignified, motivated, and protected healthcare worker,” he stated.

The KMPDU boss also welcomed the county government’s commitment to accountability and dialogue, confirming that doctors would return to work within 24 hours.

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Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, the Governor of Mombasa County, with KMPDU boss Davji Bhimji Atellah in Kiambu County. PHOTO/ KMPDU X