NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has pledged to fast-track the implementation of doctors’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), clear outstanding salary arrears and recruit 2,000 more doctors following high-level talks with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the commitments during a consultative meeting with KMPDU officials led by Secretary-General Davji Atellah, as the Ministry of Health sought to strengthen engagement with healthcare workers and advance reforms under the Taifa Care programme.
The meeting was also attended by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga and Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
Government Moves to Implement Doctors’ CBA
The Ministry said it has formally engaged the Ministry of Public Service to expedite the activation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) code, a key step towards implementing agreed salary adjustments for doctors.
According to the Ministry, activation of the payroll system will pave the way for the implementation of provisions contained in the CBA.
The government also committed to include the adjusted 2024/2025 basic salary arrears in the September Supplementary Budget, with payments expected to be completed before the end of the current financial year in December 2026.
In addition, the Medical Services Principal Secretary will oversee the resolution of outstanding salary arrears owed to Ministry of Health doctors between 2017 and 2024 and submit a comprehensive progress report to KMPDU by August 2, 2026.
SHA Remittance Deadline Extended
To minimise disruptions to healthcare benefits, the Ministry directed the Social Health Authority (SHA) to revise the monthly compliance and remittance deadline from the 9th to the 25th of every month.
The Ministry said the adjustment is intended to reduce interruptions caused by delayed remittances and ensure uninterrupted medical cover for healthcare workers and other public servants.
New CBA Talks to Begin
The meeting also reviewed preparations for negotiations on the 2025–2029 Ministry of Health Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The Ministry said its technical team is finalising a response to proposals submitted by KMPDU, with formal negotiations expected to begin next week.
Government Pledges More Doctor Recruitment
The government reaffirmed its commitment to progressively recruit 2,000 doctors to address staffing shortages across public health facilities.
To enhance accountability, the Ministry said it will provide KMPDU with a detailed report next week on all doctor recruitments undertaken since 2024.
The Cabinet Secretary also reiterated that annual medical internship placements would continue within available budgetary allocations, saying recent internship intakes demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health workforce.
Referral Hospitals Targeted for Reforms
The Ministry also outlined measures to address operational challenges at national referral hospitals.
At Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer is expected to be concluded within three weeks, allowing the hospital board to complete the recruitment of seven pharmacists.
Meanwhile, the Medical Services Principal Secretary will engage the management of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) to expedite negotiations on the hospital’s pending CBA and provide KMPDU with a formal progress report within one month.
Duale Reaffirms Commitment to Healthcare Workers
Duale said healthcare professionals remain central to the success of the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda under Taifa Care.
He said the Ministry remains committed to honouring its obligations, strengthening dialogue with healthcare workers and improving their welfare to support the delivery of quality, safe and accessible healthcare services across the country.