Countdown to Crisis: MTRH Doctors Issue 14-Day Strike Notice

A storm is brewing at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital after doctors issued a 14-day strike notice, threatening to paralyse operations in one of Kenya’s busiest health facilities. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) says the hospital’s leadership has crossed the line.

On Wednesday, July 23, KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah and Chairman Dr Abi Mwachi led a fiery kamukunji at MTRH, accusing the employer of blatantly violating a Return-to-Work Formula signed in February. “It’s a paradox that doctors offer services they themselves cannot access. We have no medical insurance, no basic salary arrears, and no permanent terms for contract doctors,” Dr Atellah declared.

The union revealed that despite repeated assurances, the hospital has failed to honour even the most basic agreements. Members reportedly reached out through calls, messages, and emails to express frustration with the crumbling work environment. KMPDU now demands immediate action on four key issues: medical cover, salary arrears, permanent terms, and full implementation of the February deal.

This isn’t the first time MTRH has been accused of neglecting its workforce. The February agreement, brokered after months of unrest, was supposed to end a series of disruptions. However, five months later, doctors say nothing has changed.

The Ministry of Health has yet to respond to the looming strike threat, even as the 14-day countdown ticks. With no signs of compromise from the hospital’s administration, pressure is now mounting on national authorities to intervene.

As tensions escalate, the big question remains: Will the government act before Eldoret’s flagship hospital grinds to a halt—or will the cries of its frontline workers go unanswered once again?