Health Services to Be Disrupted as Mombasa Doctors Announce Commencement of Strike

Health services in Mombasa County are expected to be disrupted as the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) leads its members in an industrial action. 

In a statement issued on March 3, KMPDU confirmed that the doctors’ strike was expected to officially begin on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 00:00 hours.

“The #Mombasa Doctors’ Strike officially commences tonight, Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, at 00:00 Hours,” read the statement in part.

The trade union noted that today marked seven (7) days since the strike notice was served to the County Government of Mombasa.

KMPDU On Reasons for the Mombasa Doctors’ Strike

According to the issued statement, the union outlined the following reasons for the strike:

• Financial Sabotage: Salary deductions withheld over five months; doctors unfairly blacklisted.
• Systemic Stagnation: Career progression frozen; consultants not formally recognized.
• Contractual Injustice: More than 60 doctors on precarious contracts with a non-transparent payroll.
• Disregard for the Law: Breach of the 2021 Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF).

“To our members: your solidarity shows we are disciplined and unwavering,” KMPDU said.

Also Read: Kenyan Doctors’ Strike

The union also addressed the public, expressing regret about the expected health service disruptions and calling on the county to act.

Coast General Hospital CEO interdiction

On February 24, KMPDU threatened industrial action after the County Government of Mombasa interdicted Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, CEO of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.

KMPDU National Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah described the interdiction as politically motivated and procedurally flawed, noting that Dr. Khandwalla was not issued a mandatory show-cause letter or allowed to respond to the allegations.

Atellah warned that such actions risk scapegoating individuals for systemic healthcare challenges, which require structured, transparent solutions rather than punitive measures.

Also Read: Nairobi County Orders Striking Doctors Back to Work With Immediate Effect

“This sets a dangerous precedent for the management of our health facilities. Healthcare workers must not be turned into targets when systems fail. Accountability must follow the law,” he added.

He further said that the move sets a dangerous precedent and stressed that healthcare workers should not be targeted when institutional systems fail.

The union urged the County Government of Mombasa to address the situation fairly and professionally.

Atellah added that if concerns are not resolved, KMPDU will initiate industrial action within seven days to defend professional integrity and maintain quality healthcare for Mombasa residents.

However, the hospital’s board defended its decision, saying the suspension was prompted by concerns over institutional governance and strained stakeholder relations.

“It is not an action meant to punish the CEO but to find a lasting solution to the ongoing concerns and criticisms we receive on social media regarding this facility,” said Acting CEO Dan Manyala.

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