The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a breakthrough in resolving long-standing postgraduate fee arrears, with the Ministry of Health approving payments for 633 doctors covering the years 2018 to 2024.
In a statement, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah described the move as a “significant milestone” in implementing the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) signed on May 8, 2024.
“Today marks a significant milestone: all postgraduate fees for the period 2018–2024 have been approved for payment, covering a total of 633 doctors,” said Dr. Atellah.
He explained that while the ministry had cleared arrears for 420 government-sponsored registrars in 2018, a backlog emerged after the training committee last sat in 2019, leaving many doctors stranded.
The suspension of sponsorships in key specialties such as obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery further worsened the situation.
According to Dr. Atellah, relentless follow-ups with the Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health and Professional Standards finally unlocked the payments.
In addition to the 420 cases already settled, sponsorship requests for another 211 doctors have been approved for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years bringing the total to 633. Importantly, doctors who completed their training without sponsorship will also have their fees cleared.
The ministry formally communicated the approvals on August 25, 2025, fulfilling part of the union’s RTWF agreement.
“As we have always said, the RTWF of 2024 was about leaving no doctor behind. Our responsibility as union leaders is to ensure its full implementation,” Dr. Atellah noted.
He added that the achievement reflects the unity, persistence, and resilience of the union, qualities he said continue to drive KMPDU’s advocacy for better working and training conditions for doctors.
