Today, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) appeared before the Senate Committee on Health to present a comprehensive petition highlighting the pressing issues affecting doctors nationwide. We emphasized the urgency of resolving the ongoing internship crisis, particularly through the current budget cycle and the forthcoming Public Finance Management (PFM) statement expected in Parliament by April 30. We also reiterated the immediate need to address salary arrears, delayed promotions, non-remittance of statutory deductions, and the harmonization of employment terms across both levels of government.
Key demands included the full implementation of all signed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), prompt payment of post-graduate training fees, and the employment of at least 2,000 doctors as previously agreed. Following our engagement, critical commitments were made by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and the Chair of the Council of Governors:
Internship Posting to begin by July 1, 2025
Post-Graduate Training Fees to be streamlined and paid within 30 days
Basic Salary Arrears to be incorporated into the 2025/26 Budget and paid from July 2025
Resolution of Delayed Statutory Deductions through coordinated efforts with Treasury
Signing of Remaining CBAs (including KUTRRH) within the coming week
As KMPDU, we are no longer waiting for crises to escalate into strikes before making our voices heard. We are adopting a proactive, multipronged strategy to ensure that CBAs are fully implemented and that doctors are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. As we move deeper into the critical budget cycle and prepare for the upcoming Annual Delegates Conference (ADC), we urge all members to remain vigilant, engaged, and ready to defend the gains we have fought so hard to achieve.
