Doctors begin indefinite strike in Kisii over salary delays

Healthcare services in Kisii County have been thrown into uncertainty after doctors commenced an indefinite strike over delayed salaries and unpaid employment benefits, raising fears of major disruptions in public hospitals.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Nyanza Branch announced that its members withdrew their labour from 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, and will remain on strike until all outstanding salaries and related dues are paid in full.

In a letter addressed to the County Secretary and Head of Public Service, the union said the industrial action followed the county government’s failure to honour repeated demands to clear salary arrears despite several warnings.

KMPDU Nyanza Branch Secretary Dr Aggrey Orwenyo Nyabuti said the strike was in line with a notice issued on June 22, 2026, which outlined a phased escalation of industrial action should the county fail to pay doctors on time.

Under the union’s escalation plan, doctors begin with a go-slow if salaries remain unpaid beyond the fifth day of the month. If payment is still outstanding after the tenth day, services are scaled down to emergency cases only. Failure to settle the dues by the fifteenth day triggers a complete withdrawal of labour.

“Beginning tonight at 11.59 p.m., all doctors will be unable to work until all accumulated and pending salaries and related benefits have been settled in full,” the union said.

The strike is expected to disrupt services in public health facilities across Kisii County, affecting outpatient clinics, specialist care, elective procedures and other non-emergency services. The full withdrawal of labour is also expected to put pressure on emergency healthcare services.

The latest standoff highlights the recurring labour disputes between healthcare workers and county governments over delayed salaries, promotions, medical insurance and other employment obligations.

KMPDU has repeatedly maintained that delayed salary payments demoralise healthcare workers, undermine service delivery and breach existing labour agreements.

By the time of publication, the Kisii County Government had not issued an official response to the strike.