The government has signed an agreement with officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to stop the doctor’s strike.
In a meeting chaired by Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki, officials from KMPDU, the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors (CoG) agreed to meet issues raised by the health workers in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF).
This means that intern doctors will now be paid a salary of Ksh206,000 in accordance with the CBA.
In a statement, KMPDU Secretary General (SG) Davji Atellah, said the government salaries will be confirmed in December pay slips and will also pay all basic salary arrears for doctors.
“As of today, interns’ salaries have been updated in their payslips, aligning with the terms outlined in the CBA,” Atellah said.
Salary Arrears & Budget for Registrars
Furthermore, 50% of the basic salary arrears are now being disbursed, with Kwale County (via KCB Bank) leading as the first to reflect these payments.
Fees have also been paid for 44 doctors, ensuring their ability to pursue their professional development without financial strain.
“This progress is a testament to the dedication and collective strength of our union, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of equity, respect, and fairness in the medical profession,” he said.
Additionally, a budget of Ksh65 million has also been set aside to support registrars.
Attellah has encouraged them to submit their documents without delay to benefit from this allocation.
He stated that all the payments are expected by Monday, December 23rd or Tuesday, December 24th.
“We are closely monitoring the disbursement process, and we expect all doctors across the counties to receive their payments by Monday or Tuesday next week,” Atellah said.
Also Read: Health Crisis Looms as KMPDU Issues New Strike Notice
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Kindiki Affirms Govts Commitment
Kindiki said the government values the expertise, sacrifice and patriotic input of all our health workers across the Country.
He emphasized that the health of every Kenyan citizen is a priority for the government.
“We welcome the selfless decision of the doctors to call off the intended industrial action and their willingness to continue engagement with the National and County Governments in the spirit of collaboration, consensus building and good faith,” he said.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Doctors Issue Strike Notice Over CEO’s Resignation
KMPDU Strike Notice
The Union had issued a 21-day strike notice threatening to shut down all public, private and faith-based hospitals from December 22, 2024, at 23:59:59.
Its demands include immediate and full payment of intern doctors and implementation of the CBA signed in 2017.
KMPDU also wanted the government to fulfill its promises contained in the RTWF.
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