Kericho doctors with KMPDU officials on July 24, 2026/COURTESY
Doctors in Kericho County will resume duty within the next 48 hours after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) suspended the industrial action that had disrupted healthcare services in the county.
The union announced the suspension after reaching an agreement with the County Government of Kericho following negotiations that culminated in the signing of a comprehensive implementation matrix to guide the execution of the agreed resolutions.
In a notice to members, KMPDU said the industrial action had been suspended after the two parties committed themselves to implementing the negotiated settlement.
"Following successful negotiations between KMPDU and the County Government of Kericho, we are pleased to inform you that an agreement has been reached and a comprehensive Implementation Matrix signed to guide the execution of all agreed resolutions," the union said.
"Consequently, the Union has suspended the ongoing industrial action."
The suspension paves the way for the restoration of medical services in public health facilities across the county after days of disruption caused by the strike.
KMPDU thanked its members for remaining united throughout the industrial action, saying their solidarity had played a critical role in securing the agreement.
"We sincerely thank every member for your unwavering patience, resilience, discipline and solidarity throughout this struggle. Your unity has been our greatest strength and has made this achievement possible," the notice read.
Although the strike has been called off, the union said it will closely monitor the implementation of all commitments contained in the agreement to ensure they are fully honoured by the county government.
Doctors have also been invited to a meeting to review the agreement and discuss the implementation roadmap.
"The signed agreement and the accompanying Implementation Matrix are attached for your perusal. We shall hold a members' meeting tomorrow to discuss the way forward and the implementation process," the union said.
KMPDU directed all doctors to report back to their workstations within 48 hours in line with the agreement.
"With the above agreements in place, all doctors are expected to resume duty within the next 48 hours as stipulated. Let us return to work united while remaining vigilant as the Union follows up on the full implementation of every commitment."
The notice was signed by KMPDU South Rift Organising Secretary Vincent Langat.
The end of the strike is expected to bring relief to thousands of patients who rely on public health facilities in Kericho County, with normal services anticipated to resume as doctors return to work while the union keeps watch over the implementation of the negotiated agreement.
The strike had led to the closure of Kericho Referral Hospital.
