KMPDU’s National Team convened a Working Kamukunji with doctors in Bungoma County to engage directly on the workplace challenges affecting healthcare professionals and to chart a clear path toward lasting solutions. The meeting reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to defending fair labour practices and ensuring that every doctor works under conditions that uphold dignity, professionalism, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
A key concern raised was the continued casualization of the medical workforce. While the County employs only 27 doctors on Permanent and Pensionable terms, an additional 16 doctors were recruited on short-term contracts of six to twelve months at salaries far below the rates provided for in the CBA. Following sustained advocacy by KMPDU, including formal protest letters and the issuance of a strike notice, the County revised their salaries to align with the CBA. However, salary harmonization alone is not enough. The Union is now calling for the immediate conversion of these doctors to Permanent and Pensionable terms, as provided for in the CBA.
Doctors also expressed concern over the County’s approach to promotions, noting that piecemeal implementation has left many qualified officers behind. KMPDU is demanding a comprehensive promotion exercise that ensures all eligible doctors receive the career progression they have earned, including the placement of consultants in the appropriate Job Groups Q and R.
The meeting further highlighted the challenges facing doctors currently on study leave. Six doctors continue to experience unfair treatment despite pursuing further training that will ultimately strengthen healthcare services in the county. KMPDU maintains that professional development should be supported, not hindered, and has called on the County Government to address these concerns without delay.
Access to healthcare for doctors themselves also remains a priority. The Union is advocating for the provision of comprehensive medical insurance, emphasizing that healthcare professionals should never be placed in a position where they are expected to provide care that they themselves cannot access.
KMPDU has given the County Government four weeks to resolve these outstanding issues. While the country enters an electioneering period, the Union remains fully engaged and focused on protecting the rights and welfare of doctors.
The Bungoma engagement reflects KMPDU’s continued commitment to working alongside its members, holding employers accountable, and ensuring that agreements are translated into meaningful improvements. The Union will continue monitoring progress and pursuing every available avenue to secure fair employment, career progression, and dignified working conditions for doctors.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we will continue building a profession where every doctor is valued, protected, and empowered to serve.
