The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) now wants President William Ruto's administration to implement its initial agreement to increase salaries for doctors nationwide.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, KMPDU National Chairperson Abidan Mwachi urged the government to review doctors' payslips to reflect the new basic salary rates.
Mwachi also called for the immediate disbursement of the 2024–2025 salary arrears in line with last year's return-to-work agreement signed between the Ministry of Health and KMPDU.
This follows the government's decision to settle doctors' salary arrears dating back to 2017, in line with the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed eight years ago.
"With the same clarity of purpose, we now focus on full payment of the 2024–2025 arrears and ensuring every payslip reflects the new basic salary rates," Mwachi affirmed.
While confirming the payment of the second batch of doctors' salary arrears, the KMPDU Chairperson directed the health workers to check their bank accounts.
"Brothers and sisters, it has been seven long years, countless nights marked by tear gas and petitions, sackcloth and ashes, threats and intimidation, protests and prayers," Mwachi noted.
"You stayed the course. Your Union delivered. Funds are being processed from today. Please check your bank accounts and share confirmations, as is our tradition," he added.
According to him, KMPDU's persistent push for the government to release the funds is proof that strategic, intentional leadership delivers.
The latest announcement comes about a year after President Ruto pledged to settle all doctors' arrears, amounting to Ksh3.5 billion and dating back to 2017, over the following two years.
According to a circular issued in July last year, the Head of State directed that the arrears be paid in two batches, with the first batch to be paid immediately.
"The settlement of the basic salary arrears by doctors employed by the county governments should be concluded within two years, with effect from July 1, 2024," read the circular.
The circular further acknowledged the proposals and demands made by KMPDU in the return to work formula signed on May 8, 2024, which called for a review of doctors' pay.
