Constructive engagement continues to deliver meaningful results for doctors across Kenya. This week, KMPDU held a productive consultative meeting with the County Government of Laikipia, led by H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu, EGH, in Nanyuki to discuss the welfare of doctors and the strengthening of healthcare services within the county.
The meeting built on the progress already achieved under the current administration. Since taking office, Governor Irungu has honored commitments made under the pre-2022 agreement with KMPDU by reinstating doctors who had been unlawfully dismissed under the previous administration, promoting 37 doctors, and facilitating the payment of approximately KES 400 million in outstanding salary and promotion arrears. These actions have restored confidence in social dialogue as an effective mechanism for resolving labour disputes.
The latest discussions resulted in several important commitments aimed at improving career progression, employment security, and professional development for doctors in Laikipia County.
The County Government committed to absorbing doctors currently serving on casual terms into Permanent and Pensionable employment by 18 March 2026, providing greater job security and aligning employment practices with the principles of fair labour.
Career progression also featured prominently during the discussions. The County agreed to upgrade 35 specialists by 1 April 2026, including four specialists moving from Job Group P to R and thirty-one doctors advancing from Job Groups N and P to Job Group Q. These promotions recognize the experience and expertise of specialists while supporting professional growth within the county health service.
On postgraduate training, the County committed to providing feedback by 18 March 2026 to doctors who have applied for study leave. Expanding opportunities for further training remains essential to developing specialist capacity and improving access to quality healthcare services.
To address staffing needs, the County also confirmed the recruitment of five additional doctors, who will receive Permanent and Pensionable appointment letters by 18 March 2026. This investment in the health workforce will help strengthen service delivery and reduce pressure on the existing medical staff.
The outcomes of the meeting reaffirm the importance of sustained social dialogue in resolving workplace challenges and advancing the welfare of healthcare professionals. KMPDU welcomes these commitments and will closely monitor their implementation to ensure that every agreed timeline is honoured.
The Union remains committed to working with county governments that demonstrate goodwill while holding all employers accountable for fulfilling their obligations to doctors. Through constructive engagement, principled advocacy, and collective action, KMPDU will continue championing fair labour practices, career progression, and improved working conditions for doctors across the country.
Strong partnerships, accountable leadership, and meaningful dialogue remain the foundation of a stronger healthcare workforce and a healthier Kenya.
