The Employment and Labour Court is set to facilitate consent negotiations in the ongoing Kiambu doctors’ recruitment case, following progress in return-to-work discussions.
The case, filed by obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Gathoni Njeri Muriithi, returned before Justice Hellen Wasilwa, who had on October 21 issued interim orders temporarily halting the county’s recruitment exercise. Dr. Muriithi had raised concerns over the recruitment process, citing constitutional standards on equity, transparency, and fair labour practices.
Through her lawyer, Henry Kurauka, Dr. Muriithi informed the court that discussions toward resolving the petition were ongoing. “I have just filed a return-to-work formula that was agreed on October 24. Perhaps we can have another mention date to draft a consent on settling this petition,” Kurauka said.
The return-to-work formula refers to the agreement signed on October 24, which ended a five-month doctors’ strike in Kiambu County. The deal was brokered between the County Government of Kiambu, the Council of Governors (CoG), and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU). It addresses key issues including delayed salaries, pending promotions, and statutory remittances.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah highlighted the extensive efforts to reach the deal, noting that a total of 18 meetings were held to resolve the dispute. “We have signed a return-to-work formula that provides clear timelines on pending promotions, salary delays, and remittances,” he said.
The respondents, Kiambu County Government and the County Public Service Board (CPSB), did not oppose the proposal and agreed to adjourn the case to allow the parties to finalise consent terms.
Justice Wasilwa has now scheduled the matter for mention on November 27, directing the parties to use the intervening period to conclude discussions and potentially record a settlement.
This move toward consent negotiations is seen as a step toward stabilising Kiambu’s health sector after months of disruption caused by the doctors’ strike and the contested recruitment process.
