Homa Bay County doctors strike over unpaid salary arrears and unremitted union dues

Doctors in Homa Bay County have gone on strike over unpaid salary arrears and unremitted union dues, crippling services across all public health facilities. The industrial action began on Wednesday, February 4 after the expiry of a 21-day strike notice issued to the county government by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union. Speaking at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, KMPDU Homa Bay Branch Chairperson Dr. Rodgers Otana accused the county administration of failing to honor key agreements, including the settlement of salary arrears and union remittances. Dr. Otana said that out of seven issues raised in the strike notice, only one—promotions and redesignations—had been addressed. He noted that the county owes doctors approximately Ksh.7 million in arrears and an additional Ksh.6 million owed to the union. He insisted that no medical services will resume until all dues are paid. KMPDU Nyanza Regional Chairperson Dr. Onyango Steve described the situation as untenable, saying many healthcare workers are struggling financially despite offering essential services. He added that some staff are owed money dating back to 2021 and that the county remains severely understaffed. Meanwhile, KMPDU National Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah accused the county of unfair labor practices, including arbitrary payroll removals and questionable deductions. He claimed that some workers are struck off the payroll through phone calls without following proper human resource procedures. The union maintains that the strike will continue until all outstanding payments and grievances are fully addressed.