Meaningful healthcare reform begins where healthcare is delivered. That is why KMPDU continues its “One County at a Time” initiative, engaging directly with doctors, county leadership, and health stakeholders to address workplace challenges and strengthen healthcare systems across Kenya.
Our latest engagement took us to Murang’a County, where the Union met doctors at Murang’a County Referral Hospital before holding a high-level consultative meeting with H.E. Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata, the Deputy Governor, the County Secretary, and the County Executive Committee Member for Health.
Listening to doctors at their workplaces remains the foundation of KMPDU’s advocacy. Their experiences, concerns, and recommendations continue to shape the Union’s priorities and inform every engagement with health sector decision-makers.
The discussions in Murang’a were candid, solutions-oriented, and focused on delivering tangible improvements for doctors and the healthcare system. The meeting resulted in several important commitments that will directly impact professional growth, working conditions, and healthcare service delivery within the county.
Putting Doctors’ Voices First
Before engaging county leadership, KMPDU met doctors on the ground to gain firsthand insight into their working environment and the challenges they face in delivering healthcare services.
These engagements reaffirm the Union’s commitment to evidence-based advocacy grounded in the lived experiences of its members. Every conversation strengthens KMPDU’s ability to negotiate practical, informed, and sustainable solutions.
Key Outcomes from the Murang’a Engagement
Promotions and Career Progression
One of the Union’s longstanding priorities has been addressing delays in promotions and redesignations.
The County confirmed that nearly all pending promotions have now been effected, with only three remaining cases expected to be concluded within the next two months. This commitment represents an important step towards ensuring fairness, recognising professional growth, and providing clear career progression pathways for doctors.
Reopening Maragua Level IV Hospital as an Internship Centre
Murang’a County committed to working with the relevant regulatory bodies to facilitate the reopening of Maragua Level IV Hospital as an accredited internship training centre.
Expanding internship training opportunities will help reduce pressure on Murang’a County Referral Hospital while strengthening clinical training and improving healthcare access across the county.
Expanding Opportunities for Postgraduate Training
The County also committed to introducing multiple collegiate systems similar to those adopted in neighbouring counties.
This initiative will enable more doctors to pursue postgraduate specialist training while remaining within the county health system, ultimately increasing the availability of specialised healthcare services for residents.
Addressing Doctor Shortages
The County acknowledged the need to strengthen its medical workforce.
Recruitment of five doctors is already underway, with further commitments to employ additional doctors during the current and subsequent financial years. KMPDU will continue monitoring implementation to ensure staffing gaps are progressively addressed and healthcare services strengthened.
Strengthening Dialogue Through a Governor’s Kamkunji
Open communication remains essential to resolving workplace challenges.
KMPDU and the County agreed to convene a follow-up Kamkunji bringing together doctors and the Governor, providing a direct platform for engagement, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.
Implementation of the Amenity Policy
Following the passage of the County’s Amenity Policy by the County Assembly, Murang’a is now positioned to establish amenity wings within its health facilities.
The County committed to re-engaging KMPDU during implementation discussions, particularly on revenue-sharing arrangements. The Union will advocate for a transparent and equitable framework that safeguards the interests of doctors while supporting improved service delivery.
Reforming the Job Group Structure
Murang’a County also undertook to consider aligning its grading system with the nationally recognised 17-tier career structure for doctors, replacing the existing 19-tier framework.
Such harmonisation would streamline career progression, enhance consistency across counties, and promote equity within the profession.
Transitioning Contract Doctors to Permanent Employment
Recognising the importance of job security, the County committed to transitioning doctors serving on contract to permanent and pensionable terms upon completion of their contractual periods.
This commitment offers greater employment stability and strengthens workforce retention within the county health system.
Addressing Statutory Deductions
County leadership further assured KMPDU that measures are being implemented to improve compliance with statutory deductions, including innovative debt-asset swap arrangements aimed at clearing outstanding arrears and restoring financial stability.
From Commitments to Action
The discussions in Murang’a demonstrate what can be achieved through constructive engagement, mutual respect, and solutions-driven dialogue.
While the commitments secured represent meaningful progress, KMPDU recognises that lasting change is measured by implementation rather than promises alone.
The Union will actively monitor every agreed timeline, engage county leadership throughout the implementation process, and keep members informed of progress at every stage.
One County at a Time, One Step Closer to Better Healthcare
KMPDU’s county engagement strategy reflects a broader commitment to strengthening healthcare systems from the ground up. By working directly with county governments, the Union continues to champion better working conditions, fair career progression, adequate staffing, and policies that enable doctors to provide quality healthcare to every Kenyan.
Murang’a is another important milestone in this journey, but it is only one step.
The work continues.
Your Union. Your Voice. Your Strength.
Through sustained engagement, accountability, and solidarity, KMPDU remains committed to ensuring that every commitment made translates into meaningful improvements for doctors, stronger health systems, and better patient care across Kenya.
