Mombasa Medics Call Off Strike After Deal with County Government

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Medical services in Mombasa will continue uninterrupted after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) called off a planned strike following lengthy negotiations with Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

The strike, which had been scheduled to begin Tuesday night, was suspended after the union and the county boss reached an agreement addressing key concerns raised by doctors.

KMPDU national secretary general Dr Davji Atella announced the decision after meeting with the governor saying the county had committed to meeting several of the union’s demands.

“We have agreed to call off the strike after productive discussions with the county government. Among the key resolutions is the employment of contractual doctors on permanent and pensionable terms and the commitment to clear pending statutory deductions,” he said.

The agreement also includes the promotion of 105 doctors who were due for advancement while those serving under contract will now be confirmed on permanent basis.

Speaking during a media briefing at his office, Governor Nassir confirmed that consensus had been reached through dialogue.

“After reaching consensus through dialogue and mutual respect, the doctors’ strike has been called off,” he said.

The governor added that his administration remains committed to prioritizing timely payment of salaries, structured promotions, expanded training opportunities, and formal recognition of medical specialization within its health facilities.

“A motivated and respected workforce is central to delivering quality healthcare to our people. We remain committed to sustained engagement with our doctors and all healthcare professionals to ensure that our hospitals reflect professionalism, stability and excellence in service delivery.”

He assured residents that services across all county health facilities would continue without disruption.

“To the residents of Mombasa, be assured that services across our health facilities will continue uninterrupted. Dialogue works and in Mombasa, we choose solutions over standoffs.”

The announcement was made in the presence of national and Mombasa branch leadership of KMPDU following what both sides described as constructive and candid engagements on the issues that had led to the proposed industrial action.