OTHAYA – January 28, 2026
KMPDU has secured critical safeguards for doctors at Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital (MKRH) as the facility transitions into a fully autonomous referral hospital. This follows a high-level consultative engagement between KMPDU leadership and MKRH Management, led by CEO Dr Peter Muiruri, and a subsequent Kamukunji with doctors at the facility to brief members and clarify the Union’s position.
The engagement focused on protecting doctors’ welfare, careers, and terms of service during a transition that, if poorly managed, could expose staff to uncertainty and disadvantage. KMPDU entered the discussions clear on one principle: no doctor should be compromised in the name of institutional reform.
Right to Choose During Transition
A major outcome of the engagement was securing explicit protection for doctors currently seconded from the Ministry of Health and Kenyatta National Hospital. MKRH confirmed that the Transition Committee has approved doctors’ right to choose whether to transition to MKRH or remain with their parent institutions. Importantly, KMPDU clarified that workplace appraisals branded with the MKRH logo are purely administrative and do not constitute an automatic transfer of service.
Pathway to Permanent and Pensionable Terms
On employment security, MKRH confirmed that following a supplementary budget expected in February 2026, the hospital will begin transitioning doctors to Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) terms, starting with five Medical Officers currently engaged on locum arrangements. KMPDU underscored the need to urgently review and improve locum rates as this process unfolds, to ensure fairness and dignity during the transition period.
Welfare: Gratuity and Insurance
On gratuity, the hospital confirmed that while KNH-seconded doctors have received their payments, those seconded from the Ministry of Health remain pending. KMPDU and MKRH agreed to jointly compute outstanding gratuity amounts to fast-track release of the funds. The Union is also actively pushing for the adoption of a comprehensive Civil Servants medical cover under SHA, to guarantee uniform and high-quality healthcare for all members.
Industrial Harmony and Collective Bargaining
In a significant step toward stable labour relations, MKRH committed to signing a Recognition Agreement with KMPDU, tentatively scheduled for 15 February 2026. This will formally recognize the Union at the facility and pave the way for negotiating a facility-specific Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)—a critical instrument for protecting doctors’ rights in an autonomous referral hospital.
Staffing and Capacity Building
MKRH Management also briefed the Union on progress toward finalizing a new Human Resource Manual and confirmed plans to recruit additional Medical Officers, Pharmacists, and Dentists to address staffing shortages and ease workload pressures on existing staff.
KMPDU appreciates the constructive engagement demonstrated by MKRH Management and the active participation of doctors during the Kamukunji. As the transition continues, the Union remains vigilant and resolute in ensuring that no doctor’s career progression, terms of service, or welfare is undermined.
Transitions must strengthen healthcare systems—not weaken the people who keep them running.
Solidarity forever.
