Doctors Announce Mass Protests, All Civil Servants Asked to Join Demos

Doctors have announced a nationwide strike through the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU). 

In a statement on Friday, March 14, KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah indicated that the nationwide strike will begin on March 18.

“Doctors, healthcare workers, and civil servants, it’s time to stand up for our rights! Join us on 18th March 2025 as we march to demand the Immediate posting of medical interns and the full implementation of the Public Officer Medical Fund,” he said.

Doctors Mass Protests Routes

Davji further provided a route for the planned “mega demonstration” which he said will commence at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Thereafter they will proceed to the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House before the doctor’s march to the National Treasury and the Social Health Authority (SHA) offices.

“Ministry of Public Service we demand action, not empty promises!” he added.

Return to Work Agreement

In December 2024, Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki presided over the signing of a return-to-work agreement between the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), the Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors.

The signed agreement included paying intern doctors a monthly salary of Ksh 206,000 in line with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Also Read: Mutahi Kagwe Schools Nakhumicha on Managing Doctors Strike

Davji Atellah, had issued the strike notice, citing that the government had failed to honour the implementation of the 2017 CBA, which included payment of salaries for interns and the Return-to-Work formula.

Earlier in May 2024, former Cabinet Secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha and other State House officials signed a return-to-work formula after a court ruling ordering the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to end their strike.

However, the doctors refused to sign the return-to-work formula issuing fresh demands.

Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Doctors Issue Strike Notice Over CEO & Resignation

Patient Died During Last Year’s Doctors Strike

During the strike, healthcare services were paralyzed across public health facilities for 56 days.

The strike had far-reaching consequences to Kenyans including the death of a patient in Isiolo County.

This is after the emergence of a health crisis in Isiolo County where medical practitioners downed tools, forcing patients to leave hospitals in search of help.

Rebecca Akum, a pulmonary embolism patient who had been admitted to the ICU at the Isiolo County Referral Hospital, died.

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