Mombasa – May 10, 2025
One year after our historic 56-day nationwide doctors’ strike, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) held its Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) 2025 under the powerful and timely theme:
“Caring for the Caregivers: Prioritizing Doctors’ Rights and Well-being for a Healthier Nation.”
Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, this year’s ADC served as a moment of collective reflection, recommitment, and progress evaluation on the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) that shaped the resolution of last year’s industrial action.
The event brought together union leaders, frontline doctors, and government representatives, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility in reforming Kenya’s health system.
High-Level Government Engagement
The presence of top Ministry of Health officials signaled renewed willingness for structured dialogue. Our Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, was joined by:
Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health
Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services
Their attendance reflected a shared urgency to translate promises into meaningful change and to institutionalize the reforms we fought for.
Key Commitments from the Cabinet Secretary for Health:
Statutory Deductions:
Salary deductions such as SHA and others will now be made at the source to eliminate delays in remittance.Intern Doctor Compensation:
All medical interns will be paid according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Ministry, KMPDU, and KMPDC will work together to standardize the number of annual postings.Salary Arrears:
All outstanding salary arrears owed to doctors will be cleared within this financial year.Postgraduate Registrars’ Fees:
While the Ministry continues to pay fees across various universities, affected registrars are advised to submit their details and formal requests to the Ministry of Health for consideration.Postgraduate Training Alignment:
Future postgraduate medical programs will be aligned with national healthcare workforce needs to ensure relevance, sustainability, and quality care delivery.
Beyond Promises: The Work Ahead
The 2025 ADC reaffirmed our commitment to mental health, work-life balance, professional dignity, and policy engagement as the foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery in Kenya.
“This conference is not just about what was said, but about what will be done. Caring for the caregiver is no longer optional, it is a national priority,” said KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah during his opening remarks.
As we move forward, sustained engagement between KMPDU and the Ministry of Health is not only necessary but non-negotiable. Implementation of these commitments will require constant monitoring, accountability, and open dialogue, driven by the collective strength of our members.
