Medics in Meru County have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the county government
The workers decried poor working conditions, under-staffing, delayed promotions and delayed remittance of statutory deductions.
The over 800 medics want the government to address the issue of study leave saying some of them have been denied this.
Meru County Secretary for Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Moses Baiyenia said there is a shortage of 1,500 nurses and 300 clinical officers.
"Those who have served for long are yet to be promoted, while others lamented deductions from their salary to offset loans, yet the same never reflected in banks," noted Baiyenia on Thursday.
Baiyenia said talks to settle the issues begun last year in December but crumbled down.
According to Timothy Njeru, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Meru Secretary, there were only 135 doctors. Among this number, 40 were either on study leave or other duties.
At least 80 others were urgently required in both Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital plus all other level four hospitals within the county.
"Meru Teaching and Referral has an Oncology department, though with only one oncologist. For proper running of the facilities, at least between 180-230 specialists are required," noted Njeru.
In response to the impending strike, Meru County Secretary Rufus Miriti said that he was yet to get the strike notice but noted that he is open to talks.
"I would prefer a meeting whereby we all sit down and find the way out," Mr. Rufus told Nation through phone.