The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called on President William Ruto’s administration to honour its commitment to raise doctors’ salaries and settle outstanding arrears for the 2024–2025 financial year.
In a statement issued on Thursday, KMPDU National Chairperson Dr. Abidan Mwachi urged the government to move swiftly and adjust doctors’ payslips to reflect the agreed new basic salary rates.
He also pressed for the immediate release of salary arrears as outlined in last year’s return-to-work deal between the union and the Ministry of Health.
This comes after the government began settling arrears dating back to 2017 under the 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,” Dr. Mwachi said.
He confirmed that doctors have started receiving the second batch of arrears, urging union members to check their bank accounts.
“It has been seven long years nights of tear gas and petitions, threats and intimidation, protests and prayers,” Mwachi reflected. “But you stayed the course, and your union delivered. Funds are being processed from today. Please confirm once you receive payment, as is our tradition.”
The union credited its relentless lobbying for unlocking the funds, with Mwachi saying the progress shows that “strategic, intentional leadership delivers.
Last year, President Ruto pledged to clear Ksh 3.5 billion in doctors’ arrears within two years.
A circular issued in July 2024 outlined that payments would be made in two phases, starting with immediate settlement of the first batch.
“The settlement of the basic salary arrears by doctors employed by county governments should be concluded within two years, with effect from July 1, 2024,” the circular read.
The same circular acknowledged the May 8, 2024, return-to-work formula, which also committed the government to review doctors’ pay in line with KMPDU’s demands.
