The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has secured key commitments on the implementation of doctors’ basic salary adjustments following high-level engagements with the Council of Governors (CoG) held on 22 July 2026. The meeting followed the Union’s ultimatum issued on 21 July 2026, demanding clarity and action on the long-awaited implementation of revised salary structures and outstanding arrears.
The engagement marks an important step in the Union’s continued efforts to ensure that agreements reached through previous negotiations translate into tangible benefits for doctors across the country. For months, KMPDU has maintained pressure on relevant government institutions to honour commitments relating to the adjusted basic salary component and the associated arrears owed to healthcare workers.
During the discussions, the Council of Governors formally confirmed that the new basic salary scales will be implemented in the August 2026 payroll. According to the CoG, the July payroll had already been processed before the relevant HRIS/IPPD codes were released, making implementation in that cycle impossible. The August payroll therefore becomes the first payroll cycle expected to fully reflect the revised salary structure.
The meeting also addressed the issue of salary arrears. Regarding arrears accrued during the 2025/2026 Financial Year, counties committed to engaging directly with KMPDU branches to develop county-specific payment plans. The agreed position is that all outstanding arrears for that period should be fully settled by December 2026.
On arrears arising from the 2024/2025 Financial Year, the CoG reiterated that payment will be facilitated through the National Government via a Ministry of Health conditional grant to county governments. Consistent with previous commitments communicated to the Union, the payment is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Following the engagement, KMPDU has directed all Branch Executive Committees (BECs) to immediately begin consultations with County Governments, Human Resource Departments, and Payroll Managers to ensure that implementation plans are agreed upon and timelines adhered to. The Union has emphasised that local branch leadership will play a critical role in tracking county compliance and safeguarding members’ interests throughout the implementation period.
In addition, KMPDU has announced a nationwide audit of the August 2026 payroll. Members will be required to review their payslips carefully to confirm that the revised salary scales have been applied correctly and that any applicable adjustments for July and August are accurately reflected.
While welcoming the commitments made by the Council of Governors, the Union has made it clear that implementation remains the true measure of success. KMPDU will continue monitoring developments closely and has reaffirmed its readiness to pursue industrial and legal interventions should any county fail to honour the agreed timelines and obligations.
The progress achieved reflects the power of collective action and sustained advocacy. It is also a reminder that meaningful change is secured through vigilance, unity, and consistent engagement.
As implementation begins, KMPDU remains committed to ensuring that every doctor receives the salary adjustments and arrears rightfully due to them and that no member is left behind in the process.
The struggle continues until every commitment is fully implemented.
Stronger Together. In Solidarity.
