The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has confirmed the release of the final batch of salary arrears owed to doctors under the 2017–2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah described the payout as a hard-won victory for the medical fraternity after years of struggle.
“We have always said we would be judged by results, not noise. Today, the results are in; money has come! The second and final batch of the 2017–2024 Basic Salary Arrears has been released,” he said.
Atellah acknowledged the sacrifices of doctors throughout the negotiations and protests that stretched across seven years.
“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, and above all, our unwavering solidarity. You stayed the course. Your union delivered,” he added.
Atellah further noted that the disbursement highlights the power of leadership and collective determination in securing doctors’ rights.
“This is your victory, proof that strategic, intentional leadership delivers. It crowns our push for full implementation of the 2017 CBA and the Return-to-Work Agreement signed in May 2024. Some doubted that we would get here. You did not. Because you remained steadfast in solidarity, our CBA is not a dead letter, it is a living policy reflected in your salaries,” he further said.
Looking ahead, Atellah assured doctors that the fight for fair compensation is not yet over, pledging continued engagement to secure additional payments still pending.
“The work continues. 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.
“We know there are a few who missed phase one and the MoH & MoL doctors who have not enjoyed the arrears, we are handling your matter. No doctor will be left behind,” he concluded.
Atellah confirmed that funds are already being processed, and doctors have been urged to confirm receipt once the payments reflect in their accounts.
This comes a week after the Ministry of Health has approved the payment of all pending post-graduate fees for doctors between 2018 and 2024.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 3, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Atellah confirmed that a total of 633 doctors will benefit.
“Today marks a significant milestone: all post-graduate fees for the period 2018–2024 have been approved for payment, covering a total of 633 doctors,” he said.
Atellah explained that the matter had been unresolved for years, with many doctors left stranded due to delays in processing sponsorships.
According to the union, the May 2024 Return to Work Formula (RTWF) signed with the Ministry of Health laid the foundation for addressing the crisis.
“In the Return to Work Formula (RTWF) of May 8, 2024, the Ministry of Health committed to settling all pending post-graduate fees. At that time, fees arrears for 420 government-sponsored registrars from 2018 were cleared following our relentless engagements.
“However, many doctors remained stranded because the training committee last sat in 2019, creating a backlog. The suspension of sponsorships for doctors specializing in obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery worsened the situation,” he added.
Atellah said sustained pressure on the Ministry eventually yielded results, with sponsorship approvals expanded to cover additional doctors.
“Through our continued pressure and follow-ups with the MoH Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, this matter has now been fully resolved. In addition to the 420 already cleared, sponsorship requests for a further 211 doctors have been approved during the 2024/25–2025/26 financial years.
“This brings the total number of doctors whose postgraduate fees have been settled to 633. Importantly, even those who completed training without their fees being paid will now have their dues settled,” he further said.
