As the sun sets on 2025, we do more than mark the end of a year, we mark a turning point in the history of Kenya’s medical profession.
This journey was neither easy nor gifted. Every gain was earned through coordinated solidarity, painful sacrifice, and relentless focus. These victories were forged in the streets, secured in tense boardrooms, and paid for with the blood, sweat, and tears of doctors who refused to be silenced.
What once seemed impossible, we made inevitable.
The Gains of 2025
1. Dignity for Interns
We ended the culture of limbo.
The 1,257 interns posted in August 2024 received full CBA-compliant pay, including arrears settled in February 2025 following the December 19, 2024 agreement.
The current cohort of 1,750 interns now earns CBA salaries from their first month of posting, a historic shift secured through sustained demonstrations and engagement.
2. The “Impossible” Arrears Delivered
For years, seven-year basic salary arrears were dismissed as a pipe dream. In 2025, we proved otherwise.
5,186 doctors received their arrears in two tranches (January and September), paid directly from the Treasury, an unprecedented post-devolution achievement.
3. Career Progression Unlocked
Stagnation was challenged head-on.
Over 3,000 doctors were promoted across counties, ministries, and Level 6 hospitals through persistent pressure, both industrial and institutional.
4. Postgraduate Training Restored
A system frozen since 2017 was reactivated.
633 postgraduate fee approvals were secured, with 500 already paid and a structured payment schedule commencing in 2026.
The postgraduate committee now sits monthly, ensuring no doctor’s growth is ever again an afterthought.
5. Job Security Secured
Over 1,000 doctors were converted from contract to Permanent & Pensionable (PnP) terms.
At KNH, colleagues stuck at 80k since 2019 were transitioned to 3-year contracts earning 300k plus gratuity.
542 doctors were employed into the public sector in 2025, a beginning, not the end.
6. Statutory Deductions Protected
Following sustained advocacy, statutory deductions will now be released to counties by the 3rd of every month, ensuring compliance by the 9th including SHA. Net pay should never come at the cost of doctors’ futures.
7. The Power of the Strike
In 2025, 21 successful strikes reminded the system where power truly lies.
No victimization. Withheld salaries released. Doctors protected.
When we stand together, we win together.
2026: The Charge Continues
The momentum is real but the mission is unfinished.
Our priorities for 2026 are clear and non-negotiable:
Basic Salary Adjustments across counties and all ministries, including full arrears from July 2025.
Outstanding Arrears Payments, including MoH doctors, those on manual payroll, and colleagues who missed previous batches.
Mass Employment of 2,000 doctors as per the May 8, 2024 RTWF agreement adopted by the court.
Seamless Intern Posting using the successful 2025 model, no delays, no excuses.
Finalization of the 2025–2029 CBA, securing our rights for years to come.
We have proven that when doctors stand as one, the system has no choice but to listen.I hope and pray that the upcoming elections will leave us stronger with leaders who believe in the spirit of Unionism.
The strides of 2025 laid the foundation.
2026 is where we build the future.
Onward. No retreat. Victory is inevitable.
Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah
Secretary General
KMPDU.
