Back to work: Isiolo doctors call off strike after signing deal with county
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Isiolo county and KMPDU reached a return-to-work agreement after negotiations on doctors’ grievances
- Eligible doctors will undergo suitability interviews from August 24, with promotions taking effect from October 1, 2026
- The deal also addresses salaries, medical cover, staffing, deductions, harassment and non-victimisation
The County Government of Isiolo and doctors’ union KMPDU have reached a return-to-work agreement aimed at ending a prolonged dispute over doctors’ working conditions.
The agreement, dated Thursday, August 20, followed a conciliation meeting between the two sides to address grievances raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
The union had issued a strike notice on June 2, citing several outstanding issues affecting doctors employed by the county government.
“WHEREAS, the parties engaged in good faith negotiations and reached consensus on measures intended to resolve the outstanding issues and restore normal health service delivery within Isiolo County,” the agreement states.
Promotions and redesignation
One of the key commitments by the county government is the promotion of all eligible doctors in line with the Revised Scheme of Service 2016.
According to the agreement, suitability interviews will begin on Monday, August 24, and must be completed by September 30.
“All promotions will be taking effect from 1st October 2026,” the agreement states.
The County Public Service Board has also committed to issuing promotion letters without delay and ensuring the promotions are implemented in accordance with the applicable human resource policies.
The agreement further addresses several other concerns previously raised by doctors, including salaries and deductions, medical cover, staffing, headcount regularisation, intimidation and harassment.
The parties also agreed on provisions relating to the status of the strike and non-victimisation of doctors who participated in the industrial action.
Under the return-to-work arrangement, the agreement is intended to facilitate the resumption of normal medical services while providing a framework for resolving the outstanding employment grievances.
The deal followed negotiations held on August 20, during which both parties sought to resolve the issues contained in the strike notice and restore healthcare services across the county.
The agreement also sets out commitments on salaries, deductions, staffing and other employment matters, signalling a broader attempt to address the underlying concerns rather than simply ending the industrial action.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.