Government Reaffirms Commitment to Healthcare Workers Through Dialogue and Labour Reforms
Nairobi, Kenya - - The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with healthcare workers through sustained dialogue, timely resolution of labour matters and implementation of reforms aimed at improving service delivery under the Taifa Care programme.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), led by Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, during which the Ministry outlined a series of commitments aimed at improving doctors’ welfare while advancing a stable and resilient healthcare system.
On the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the Ministry confirmed that it has formally engaged the Ministry of Public Service to fast-track activation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) code. Once activated, the payroll system will facilitate implementation of the agreed salary adjustments for doctors.
The Ministry also committed to provide for the 2024/2025 adjusted basic salary arrears through the September Supplementary Budget, with full payment expected before the close of the current financial year in
. In addition, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services will oversee the resolution of outstanding salary arrears affecting Ministry of Health doctors accrued between 2017 and 2024 and submit a comprehensive progress report to KMPDU by .
To ensure uninterrupted medical cover for healthcare workers and other public servants, the Ministry directed the Social Health Authority (SHA) to revise the monthly compliance and remittance deadline from the 9th to the 25th of every month. The adjustment is intended to minimise disruptions arising from delayed remittances and guarantee continuous access to healthcare benefits.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for negotiations on the 2025–2029 Ministry of Health Collective Bargaining Agreement. Following submission of KMPDU’s proposals, the Ministry’s technical team is finalising its response, which will be presented to the Union next week to formally commence negotiations.
The Government further reaffirmed its commitment to progressively recruit 2,000 doctors to strengthen the health workforce and address staffing gaps across the country. To promote transparency and accountability, the Ministry will submit to KMPDU a detailed report on all doctor recruitments undertaken from 2024 to date by next week.
Operational matters affecting national referral hospitals were also addressed. At Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer will be concluded within the next three weeks, enabling the Hospital Board to finalise recruitment of the seven outstanding pharmacists. At Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services will engage the hospital’s management to expedite conclusion of the pending Collective Bargaining Agreement and provide KMPDU with a formal progress update within one month.
The Cabinet Secretary also reaffirmed the Ministry’s policy of conducting annual medical internship placements within available budgetary allocations, noting that successful internship intakes over the past two years demonstrate the Government’s continued investment in developing the country’s healthcare workforce.
Hon. Aden Duale emphasized that doctors and all healthcare professionals remain central to the realization of Universal Health Coverage, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to honouring its obligations, strengthening engagement with healthcare workers, improving their welfare and creating an enabling environment that supports the delivery of quality, safe and accessible healthcare services for all Kenyans.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga and Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni.