A section of Kiambu doctors have been handed a reprieve after the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued orders temporarily stopping the Kiambu County government from replacing them, pending the determination of a petition.
In a ruling on Tuesday, October 21, Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa issued conservatory orders effectively barring the Kiambu Chief Officer for Health and the County Public Service Board from proceeding with the contentious recruitment process.
“The application is certified urgent and allowed in terms of prayers B and C of the Notice of Motion. This application should be served upon the respondents and be heard inter partes on October 28, 2025,” the court order read.
The initial petition was filed by a doctor in the county, who told the court that the county's move to sack doctors and recruit new ones was not only unfair and unjust but was also in violation of labour laws.
The petitioner moved to court after it emerged that the county made good its threat and had begun the recruitment of new specialist doctors before the lapse of an advertised application timeline.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Elias Maina, confirmed on Wednesday, May 28, that an undisclosed number of doctors who downed their tools a day earlier had been relieved of their duties.
“We have started taking action against doctors who failed to report to work,” Maina said. “A headcount is ongoing to establish those who absconded from duty, and they will be replaced immediately with equally qualified professionals.”
The court heard that the County Government of Kiambu and the Public Service Board had invited applications for various positions in the health department, with applicants urged to apply before the October 15 closing date.
However, upon submitting her application on the date, the petitioner claims she was informed that candidates had already been shortlisted and interviewed.
The petitioner later confirmed through the county's official website that interviews had indeed been conducted before the closing date, a move which she described as opaque and unlawful.
Subsequently, the court directed that all parties be served and the matter be heard later this month to determine whether the recruitment process should be permanently halted.
In August, the Kiambu County government was dealt another blow after a similar court order was issued barring the recruitment of new medical specialists until an ongoing industrial dispute with doctors is resolved.
The petition was filed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who disputed the advertisement of 78 consultant positions in Job Group Q.
