Government strikes deal with doctors to avert nationwide strike

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has brokered an agreement with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), averting a nationwide doctors’ strike that was set to begin on December 22, 2024.

The deal resolves key grievances over intern doctors’ salaries and outstanding salary arrears, ensuring continued medical services across the country.

Under the agreement, intern doctors will receive a monthly salary of Sh206,000 as stipulated in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This represents a significant increase from the current salary range of Sh40,000 to Sh70,000 set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Additionally, the government has committed to paying Sh1.75 billion in basic salary arrears immediately, with the remaining balance to be cleared by July 2025.

“The government values the expertise, sacrifice, and patriotic input of all our health workers. The health of every Kenyan is a priority for the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Deputy President Kindiki stated during the signing ceremony at his official residence.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Council of Governors (CoG), and KMPDU representatives.

Kindiki assured the union that intern doctors would begin receiving their updated salaries and arrears starting December 23, 2024.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah confirmed the updates, stating that intern doctors’ payslips have already been adjusted to reflect the new salaries. “This is a historic moment for the medical profession. It demonstrates the dedication and collective strength of our union,” he said.

Dr Atellah also announced that 50 per cent of the basic salary arrears are now being disbursed, with Kwale County leading in processing payments through KCB Bank. Furthermore, fees have been paid for 44 doctors to support their professional development.

“A budget of Sh65 million has been allocated to support registrars. We urge eligible doctors to submit their documents promptly to access these funds,” Dr. Atellah added. He noted that all payments are expected to be completed across counties by December 26, 2024.

The agreement marks a significant step in resolving long-standing grievances between the government and healthcare workers. The 2017 CBA, which promised improved remuneration and working conditions, had not been fully implemented, leading to dissatisfaction within the medical fraternity.

The union's boss highlighted previous frustrations, including the government’s failure to comply with court orders. A ruling issued on October 26, 2024, upheld the CBA’s provisions regarding intern doctors’ pay, yet its implementation remained elusive until now.

“The national and county governments had disregarded agreements and court rulings, forcing us to consider industrial action,” Dr Atellah said.

The planned strike had raised concerns about disruptions in Kenya’s already strained healthcare system. However, the agreement has provided a reprieve, with the union confirming that industrial action will be suspended once funds are disbursed.

Deputy President Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges and emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“We will continue to engage proactively and in good faith to resolve any remaining issues,” he said.