Doctors in Meru County have called off their planned strike after successful negotiations between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the county government.
The strike notice, which had been set to expire on March 6, 2026, was officially suspended following the signing of an agreement addressing several grievances raised by the doctors.
Confirming the development on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Abi Mwachi announced that both parties had reached a mutual understanding after negotiations.
Mwachi revealed that the agreement tackled critical issues that had prompted the doctors to issue the strike notice. These included staff promotions, improvements to contractual terms, and clearer arrangements for study leave for medical practitioners in the county.
“We have just concluded and signed an agreement with the county government of Meru, effectively suspending the strike notice set to expire on 6th March 2026,” Mwachi said in part of his statement shared on social media.
Key Concerns Addressed
According to the union, the deal provides a framework for resolving long-standing employment concerns affecting doctors working in Meru County health facilities. Promotions and career progression had been among the major complaints raised by the medical practitioners.
The agreement also outlines improved contractual conditions for doctors, alongside provisions that will allow medical personnel to pursue further studies without disruptions to their employment status.
The suspension of the strike is expected to bring relief to patients across Meru County, who had been facing the prospect of major disruptions in healthcare services if doctors had downed their tools.
With the agreement now in place, medical services are expected to continue normally as both the union and the county government work toward implementing the commitments made during the negotiations.
