The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has raised concern over what it describes as a growing preference by some private hospitals for foreign doctors, warning that the trend is undermining labour standards and worsening unemployment among qualified local medics.
According to KKPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Attelah, more than 3,000 foreign doctors have been engaged by private health facilities in the past four years, many of them reportedly hired under poor terms of service.
KMPDU noted that some foreign medics are paid wages below the minimum recommended Union Pay Scale (UPS), a situation the union has termed “modern-day slavery” that is eroding hard-won gains in the health sector.
“This exploitation harms everyone. Facilities that dehumanise doctors inevitably endanger patients and erode medical ethics.” Said Attelah
Union leaders say the situation has become so dire that some foreign doctors accept salaries far lower than what is stipulated under existing agreements, creating unfair competition and pushing down wages across the sector.
KMPDU argues that this practice not only exploits foreign workers but also disadvantages Kenyan doctors, thousands of whom remain unemployed despite being fully qualified.
The union has warned employers that Kenyan law requires proof that specialised skills are unavailable locally before recruiting foreign professionals. “Hospitals must demonstrate that the expertise they seek cannot be sourced within the country before turning to foreign labour,” KMPDU said, noting that the continued importation of doctors is unjustifiable given the high number of jobless local practitioners.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale echoed the union’s concerns on Wednesday, insisting that qualified Kenyan doctors must be given priority in employment. He said the engagement of foreign doctors would only be permitted where it clearly adds value to the healthcare system and meets the highest ethical and professional standards.
Duale further emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting local professionals while ensuring quality healthcare delivery, warning health facilities against practices that violate labour laws or compromise professional standards.
The union is now calling for stricter enforcement of employment regulations in the health sector and increased oversight of private hospitals to safeguard both local and foreign medical practitioners.
