The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) today held a high-level consultative meeting with the Ministry of Health, led by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, resulting in a series of significant commitments aimed at addressing long-standing issues affecting doctors across the country.
The meeting reflects the continued value of structured social dialogue in resolving challenges facing Kenya’s healthcare workforce. While these commitments represent meaningful progress, KMPDU remains focused on ensuring that every agreement is translated into tangible outcomes for its members.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
Following extensive discussions, the Ministry of Health committed to the following actions:
1. Activation of the IPPD Code for CBA Salary Adjustments
The Ministry of Health will engage the Ministry of Public Service to facilitate the immediate activation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database (IPPD) code, paving the way for the implementation of the basic salary adjustments agreed upon under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
This is a critical step towards ensuring that doctors receive the remuneration negotiated through collective bargaining.
2. Payment of 2024-2025 Salary Arrears
The Government committed to include the 2024-2025 basic salary arrears in the September Supplementary Budget, with payment targeted by December 2026.
KMPDU will closely monitor this budgetary process to ensure the commitment is honoured within the agreed timeline.
3. Resolution of Outstanding Ministry of Health Arrears
The Ministry committed to resolving outstanding salary arrears owed to Ministry of Health doctors dating from 2017 to 2024.
A comprehensive progress update is expected by 2 August 2026, providing greater clarity on the implementation roadmap.
4. Protection of Healthcare Workers’ Medical Cover
Recognising the importance of uninterrupted access to healthcare for health workers, the Government agreed to extend the Social Health Authority (SHA) remittance compliance deadline from the 9th to the 25th of every month.
This adjustment is expected to significantly reduce disruptions to healthcare workers’ medical insurance coverage.
5. Commencement of the 2025-2029 Ministry of Health CBA Negotiations
Negotiations for the next Ministry of Health 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement will officially commence, with the Ministry expected to table its counter-proposal in the coming week.
This marks the beginning of an important process that will shape the terms and conditions of service for doctors over the next four years.
6. Government Reaffirms Commitment to Employ 2,000 Doctors
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to recruit 2,000 doctors, while also undertaking to release a comprehensive report on the current employment status of doctors next week.
Addressing workforce shortages remains essential to strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
7. Leadership and Staffing at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
The Ministry committed to appointing a substantive Chief Executive Officer at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital within three weeks.
Following this appointment, the hospital will proceed with the absorption of the seven pending pharmacists, addressing a long-standing staffing concern.
8. Progress on the KUTRRH CBA
The Principal Secretary for Health committed to directly intervene in unlocking the pending Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Collective Bargaining Agreement.
A progress report is expected within one month.
9. Reaffirmation of Timely Medical Internship Postings
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the annual seamless deployment of medical interns, with remuneration paid at the rates provided for under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
This commitment reinforces recent efforts to eliminate the uncertainty that has historically characterised internship deployment.
From Commitments to Implementation
The outcomes of today’s meeting represent meaningful progress on several issues that have remained unresolved for years. They demonstrate the importance of sustained engagement, good-faith negotiations, and constructive social dialogue in advancing the welfare of healthcare professionals.
However, commitments alone are not enough.
For KMPDU, success will ultimately be measured by implementation. Every timeline, budget allocation, and agreed action must translate into real improvements in the lives and working conditions of doctors.
KMPDU Remains Vigilant
The Union will continue to engage the Ministry of Health and all relevant government agencies to ensure that each commitment made during today’s meeting is implemented within the agreed timelines.
KMPDU remains steadfast in its mandate to defend the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of doctors through principled advocacy, accountability, and constructive engagement.
As implementation begins, the Union will keep members informed of progress and continue to hold all stakeholders accountable for delivering on today’s commitments.
Together, through unity, dialogue, and unwavering commitment, KMPDU will continue working towards a healthcare system where every doctor is respected, every agreement is honoured, and every promise made is fulfilled.
