KWALE — Medical services in Kwale County are back on track following the end of a doctors’ strike that had crippled public health facilities since June 29. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) called off the strike after signing a binding return-to-work agreement with the county government.
The deal, signed at Governor Fatuma Achani’s boardroom, commits the county to process long-delayed promotions, expand access to training, and improve conditions in healthcare centers.
Speaking after the signing, Governor Achani said the agreement signals the county’s intent to maintain a strong relationship with its medical staff. “This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting our doctors and ensuring that the people of Kwale continue to receive quality health services,” she said. “Healthcare is a right, and we will honor the terms of this deal fully.”
Doctors walked off the job citing a breakdown in career progression, lack of training opportunities, and unsafe, understaffed facilities. Their absence triggered major service disruptions in hospitals and clinics across the county.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah confirmed that doctors would return to work within 24 hours. “We are satisfied with the commitments made by the County Government of Kwale,” Atellah said. “We will monitor implementation closely to ensure doctors’ rights are protected and the public gets the care it deserves.”
The agreement includes deadlines for fulfilling promotion schedules, launching training initiatives, and resolving long-standing administrative setbacks. County officials say they have already set up systems to prevent future work stoppages and to ensure more open communication with healthcare workers.
Kwale residents, many of whom had been forced to seek treatment outside the county or turn to private clinics, are expected to see services resume immediately.
Present at the signing were senior officials from both sides, including County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo, Public Service Board Chair Festus Sombo, Health Executive Francis Gwama, County Attorney Salim Gombeni, and KMPDU leaders Abidan Mwachi and Niko Gichana.
The county’s swift action to resolve the impasse underscores its push to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve trust between workers and local authorities.
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