The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Nairobi Branch has intensified its engagement with the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) following a high-level follow-up meeting aimed at advancing key welfare priorities affecting doctors in the county.
The meeting brought together senior county leadership, including the County Secretary, the CEC for Boroughs and Personnel, Chief Officers for Health, Public Service Management (PSM), Preventive Health, and Directors from Public Service Management. At the centre of the discussions were three priority areas for 2026: health cover, promotions, and gratuity payments for former NMS doctors.
Strengthening Health Cover and SHA Support Systems
On healthcare access and medical cover, the County committed to strengthening short-term mitigation measures under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to address persistent challenges experienced by healthcare workers.
In a major step toward improving responsiveness and accountability, Dr Abdi Adow Elmi was nominated to serve on the SHA Query Reform Team, alongside Dr Angela Nambiro. The two will now serve as official contact persons for doctors facing SHA-related challenges, including approvals, reimbursements, facility access, and administrative queries.
To strengthen coordination and problem-solving, both representatives will be integrated into existing County and SHA coordination structures, ensuring that doctors’ concerns are addressed more efficiently and systematically. Additionally, KMPDU will formally table healthcare access concerns before the County Health Cover Quality Assurance team.
Looking ahead, the Union will also nominate a representative to sit on the Quality Assurance Committee, which will evaluate whether the County renews SHA arrangements or transitions to a private insurance model after approximately five months.
Promotions: Funding Confirmed and Final Lists Under Review
Career progression remains a central pillar of KMPDU’s advocacy, and the meeting delivered important progress on promotions.
The County confirmed that funding for common cadre promotions has been secured within the current financial year, while competitive cadre promotions have already been budgeted for in the 2026/2027 financial year.
The promotions list has already been shared, with ongoing corrections currently being addressed to ensure fairness and accuracy. An updated list is expected to be issued before formal engagement with the County Public Service Board, paving the way for finalisation and implementation.
NMS Doctors’ Gratuity Payments Moving Forward
The longstanding issue of gratuity for former National Metropolitan Services (NMS) doctors also recorded meaningful progress.
Following an IGTRC meeting held on 6 May, gratuity figures were formally verified and confirmed. Nairobi City County Government committed to paying its portion of the gratuity obligations, with the allocation set to be incorporated into the County budget.
At the national level, KMPDU will formally engage the Public Service Commission to initiate the payment process for the National Government’s share, moving the process toward full settlement of outstanding dues.
Implementation Underway
The engagement concluded with consensus that all three priority areas remain active, with clear timelines, implementation mechanisms, and follow-up structures already in place.
KMPDU Nairobi Branch remains committed to ensuring that agreements move beyond boardroom commitments and translate into tangible outcomes for doctors. From healthcare access and fair promotions to gratuity payments and dignified working conditions, the Union continues to pursue practical solutions that strengthen both the welfare of healthcare workers and the quality of healthcare delivery for Nairobi residents.
Progress is built through structured engagement, accountability, and unity.
In solidarity.
