Doctors in Mombasa have called off their industrial action following a landmark agreement with the County Government that secures promotions, permanent employment for 64 contract doctors, and the clearance of pending statutory deductions.
The deal, finalised on Tuesday after intense negotiations between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the County Government led by Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, marks a major step towards resolving months of workplace tension.
In a statement released on Wednesday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said, “We are pleased to announce that a formal agreement has been reached, securing key gains for doctors.”
The agreement provides for the promotion of all eligible doctors across multiple grades. Those moving from Group M to N will receive their letters immediately. Promotions from Group N to P will take effect on April 1, 2026.
Promotions from Group P to Q will be staggered, with 39 doctors receiving letters on April 1, 2026, and another 39 on July 1, 2026. Doctors in Groups Q and R will also be promoted starting April 1 and July 1, 2026, respectively, while the four doctors moving from Group R to S will collect their letters by July 1, 2026.
The agreement also converts 64 contract doctors to Permanent and Pensionable status, effective June 1, 2026. Additionally, all pending statutory deductions will be cleared by September 1, 2026.
Administrative and legal safeguards were also part of the deal. Dr. Atellah highlighted that medical personnel and hospital operations will remain free from political interference. The suspension of the Coast General Hospital CEO has been lifted, with the matter now proceeding before the Employment and Labour Relations Court to ensure proper legal process.
Dr. Atellah described the resolution as a reflection of “the power of unity, consistency, and principled engagement,” and emphasised that KMPDU will monitor implementation to ensure that all agreed timelines are respected.
The strike suspension comes after a seven-day industrial action notice issued on February 24, 2026, following the interdiction of Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla. During the strike, doctors limited services to emergencies only, halting elective procedures and clinics due to safety concerns, workplace intimidation, and alleged irregularities in administrative procedures.
KMPDU questioned whether the County Public Service Board had properly authorised the CEO’s suspension and raised concerns over political interference in hospital management. While the County Government insisted the suspension followed due process, the union demanded full administrative safeguards and adherence to legal procedures.
