Doctors in Mombasa have withdrawn their planned strike after successful negotiations between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the County Government of Mombasa.
The breakthrough follows intensive discussions triggered by a strike notice issued on February 24, 2026. Talks between union officials and Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir resulted in a comprehensive agreement addressing long-standing concerns over promotions, employment terms, statutory remittances and administrative matters.
Promotions across multiple job groups
Under the agreement, the county government has committed to promoting all eligible doctors in various job categories.
Fifteen doctors currently in Job Group M will immediately receive promotion letters advancing them to Group N. An additional 33 doctors will move from Group N to Group P, with their letters scheduled for issuance on April 1, 2026.
For doctors in Group P, 39 will be elevated to Group Q effective April 1, 2026, while another 39 will receive similar promotions effective July 1, 2026. Seventeen doctors in Group Q will advance to Group R beginning April 1, 2026, and four doctors in Group R are set to move to Group S by July 1, 2026.
The deal also provides for the transition of 64 doctors currently serving on contractual terms to Permanent and Pensionable employment status, effective June 1, 2026.
Commitment on Statutory Deductions and Legal Matters
In addition to promotions and employment conversion, the county has pledged to settle all outstanding statutory deductions by September 1, 2026.
On governance issues, both parties agreed that healthcare delivery and medical personnel management should remain insulated from political interference. The interdiction of the County’s Chief Executive Officer has been lifted, with the matter now set to proceed before the Employment and Labour Relations Court to ensure due legal process is followed.
Union to monitor implementation
Doctors’ representatives described the resolution as the result of sustained dialogue and collective resolve. They indicated that the union would closely monitor the implementation of the agreement to ensure the county government adheres to the agreed timelines.
The decision to call off the strike averts potential disruption of health services in Mombasa, ensuring continuity of care for residents while the agreed reforms are rolled out.
