Doctors in Mombasa County have launched an indefinite strike over unresolved human resource and governance issues with the county government. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) announced the action, restricting services to emergencies only.
The strike by Mombasa County doctors officially started on March 3, 2026, as announced by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), following the county government's failure to address ongoing human resource and governance issues. KMPDU Secretary General Daji Atellah stated that medics showed up in large numbers to demonstrate their unity and resolve.
Atellah remarked: "Today marks exactly seven (7) days since we formally served notice to the County Government of Mombasa. This morning, doctors turned up in overwhelming numbers, clear, resolute, and united to reaffirm their readiness."
Key grievances include the county's withholding of statutory and third-party deductions for more than five months, resulting in doctors being blacklisted by Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs). Over 60 doctors remain on precarious contracts amid a non-transparent manual payroll system.
Career progression for some has stalled for years, with 28 medics awaiting redesignation since July 2022 and 45 consultants not yet formally recognized despite qualifications. The union accuses the county of violating the 2021 Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF).
The strike notice was issued on February 24, 2026, after the suspension of Iqbal Khandwalla as CEO of the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) on February 22. The county government said the board approved the suspension over performance issues, but KMPDU called it politically motivated without proper authorization from the County Public Service Board.
Atellah addressed the public: "We deeply regret the paralysis of healthcare services. However, responsibility rests squarely with the County Government, which failed to act within the ultimatum period despite ample opportunity to resolve these grievances."
