Medical services in Kericho County are expected to resume normal operations after the County Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) signed a return-to-work agreement, ending a doctors’ strike that had disrupted services in public health facilities across the county.
The agreement, signed at the County Government Headquarters on Friday, provides for the promotion of 84 medical practitioners, pharmacists and dentists; the recruitment of 14 doctors on permanent and pensionable terms and the conversion of eight contracted doctors to permanent and pensionable terms.
The strike, which began on June 26, 2026, followed concerns by KMPDU over delayed promotions, inadequate staffing, lack of medical cover, failure to confirm contracted doctors and payment of salary arrears. Its resolution is expected to bring relief to residents who rely on public health facilities for essential medical services.
Under the agreement, the County Public Service Board will advertise the 84 promotional vacancies by August 7, with the promotion process expected to be completed by October 15, 2026. The county will also develop and implement a succession management strategy to address staff stagnation and facilitate career progression.
The 14 new doctors will be recruited on permanent and pensionable terms, while eight doctors employed in 2022 and 2024 will be in permanent and pensionable-term employment by October 15. Salary arrears owed to eight contracted doctors will also be paid together with their July 2026 salaries.
The county further committed to providing medical cover for its employees and reimbursing additional medical costs incurred by doctors covered under SHA upon submission of authenticated supporting documents. It also pledged to pay salaries by the ninth day of every month.
Speaking to the media after the signing, CECM for Finance Jackson Rob said the agreement demonstrated the County Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of health workers while ensuring uninterrupted services to residents.
“We have reached an understanding that provides a clear way forward on the issues that were raised. As a County Government, we remain committed to working with our health workers and their representatives to ensure that the agreed measures are implemented within the stipulated timelines,” Rob said.
He said the resolution would enable the county to focus on strengthening its health workforce and improving service delivery to residents.
KMPDU South Rift Branch Chairperson Dr. Cherono Siele welcomed the agreement, saying it had provided a clear roadmap for resolving the concerns raised by doctors and restoring medical services across the county.
“What is important now is implementation of the commitments within the timelines that we have agreed upon. We appreciate the engagement that has brought the parties together and we look forward to seeing the commitments honored,” Siele said.
KMPDU has agreed to suspend the strike until November 1, 2026, to allow the county to implement the agreed terms, with doctors required to resume duty immediately after the signing.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the County Government by County Secretary Philip C. Rono, County Public Service Board Chairman Dr. Kipkemoi Koskei Joseph, Chief Officer for Health Services Dr. Japhet Cheruiyot and Chief Officer for Finance and Acting Chief Officer for Public Service Management CPA Gilbert Kipkurui Bii.
The resolution brings relief to patients and families across Kericho who had been affected by the disruption of medical services while providing the county with an opportunity to strengthen its health workforce and restore normal operations in public health facilities.
By Gilbert Mutai
