The Employment and Labour Court is set to facilitate consent negotiations in the ongoing Kiambu doctors’ recruitment case, signaling progress in resolving a prolonged dispute in the county’s health sector. The case, brought by obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Gathoni Njeri Muriithi, initially sought to halt the county’s recruitment exercise, citing concerns over equity, transparency, and fair labour practices.
During the latest court session, Justice Hellen Wasilwa noted indications that the parties were moving toward a mutual agreement. Dr. Muriithi, through her lawyer Henry Kurauka, confirmed that discussions were ongoing, referencing a return-to-work formula signed on October 24, 2025, which ended a five-month strike by Kiambu doctors. The agreement, brokered by the County Government of Kiambu, the Council of Governors (CoG), and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), addressed disputes over promotions, delayed salaries, and statutory remittances.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah highlighted that 18 mediation meetings had taken place to bring the matter closer to resolution. The county government and the County Public Service Board did not oppose the consent approach and agreed to adjourn the matter, allowing the parties time to finalize the settlement. Justice Wasilwa scheduled the next mention for November 27, urging the parties to conclude discussions and possibly record a formal consent.
The move toward consent negotiations is seen as a critical step in stabilizing Kiambu’s health sector, which has faced disruptions due to the doctors’ strike and contested recruitment processes. The successful resolution of the case is expected to restore operational efficiency in the county’s hospitals and improve service delivery to residents.