The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) has directed doctors and clinical officers currently on strike to resume duty within 12 hours, warning that failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and loss of pay for days not worked.
In a press statement issued on January 15, 2026, Suzanne Silantoi, the Nairobi Health, Wellness, and Nutrition CEC Member, the County reaffirmed its commitment to resolving labor disputes through dialogue while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for Nairobi residents.
The administration highlighted measures already taken to address health workers’ concerns, including comprehensive medical cover under the SHA Civil Servants Scheme and promotions within common cadre job groups.
NCCG Orders Doctors Back to Work
The County disclosed that it has requested a supplementary budget of KSh424 million to clear all pending promotions.
It also confirmed that all salaries and statutory third-party deductions have been paid, and that more than 98 percent of health workers have been placed on permanent, pensionable terms.
“The County has consistently engaged health sector unions and addressed key concerns, including the provision of comprehensive medical cover under the SHA Civil Servants Scheme, promotions within the common cadre job groups, and a KSh 424 million supplementary budget request to clear all pending promotions.”
Silantoi stated that gratuity obligations for service under the former Nairobi Metropolitan Services remain the responsibility of the National Government.
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She confirmed that NCCG pledged to settle gratuity for the period served under the County Government and continues to engage the National Government for a comprehensive resolution.
NCCG has further expressed concern over what they termed as the politicization of the strike, describing it as an unnecessary disruption of essential services.
“The County expresses concern over the politicization of the ongoing strike and the unnecessary disruption of essential services.”
Health workers who fail to return to work within the stipulated timeframe will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.
The County also clarified that salaries will not be paid for days not worked during the strike.
“Consequently, all health workers currently on strike are directed to resume duty within 12 hours of this notice. Officers who fail to comply will be subjected to disciplinary action in accordance with the law, and salaries will not be paid for days not worked.”
Despite the industrial action, NCCG assured the public that services across all its health facilities remain operational.
Residents seeking medical attention will continue to receive care without interruption.
Disappointed Doctors
One of the primary grievances of doctors working in Nairobi’s public hospitals is non-payment or delayed payment of salaries.
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The doctors also say the county government has failed to honor previously agreed return-to-work terms related to salary payments.
Doctors are also complaining that promotions have been delayed or effectively stalled for extended periods.
Beyond salaries and promotions, doctors have cited inadequate medical cover and insurance benefits, which are considered standard parts of employment conditions.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) says that several aspects of return-to-work and collective bargaining agreements signed in previous negotiations have not been implemented.
This includes confirmation into permanent terms, remittance of statutory deductions, and medical insurance coverage for doctors and their dependents.
Union leaders allege that the county government has backtracked on commitments made to address these issues.
The Nairobi strike is part of a wider trend of healthcare workers’ industrial action in Kenya, with similar disputes occurring in Kiambu and other counties over unpaid salaries, lack of promotions, and failure to honor agreements.
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