KMPDU reveals next fight as govt releases long-awaited salary arrears
By Mustafa Juma, September 18, 2025Doctors in Kenya have finally received the second and final batch of their 2017–2024 basic salary arrears, marking a historic milestone for the medical fraternity after seven years of relentless pursuit.
In a celebratory statement shared via his official X account on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah confirmed that members have already received payments in their bank accounts—a victory born out of unity, resilience, and strategic leadership.
“Today marks a historic victory for doctors and the labour movement in Kenya. After seven years of relentless pursuit, the second and final batch of the 2017–2024 Basic Salary Arrears has finally been released, with members already receiving payments in their respective bank accounts,” Atellah stated.
“This milestone crowns our struggle for the full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Return-to-Work Agreement signed in May 2024. It proves that with unity of purpose and strategic, intentional leadership, workers can achieve remarkable victories.”
The development follows KMPDU’s engagement with President William Ruto at State House in May 2024, where he committed to resolving the arrears within two years.
KMPDU’s next fight
Atellah also acknowledged the role of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, PS Muthoni, and Dr Ouma Oluga, whom he says their leadership ensured the implementation of the 2024 Return-to-Work Formula.
While celebrating the win, Atellah said the struggle is not over. He noted that KMPDU’s next fight will focus on securing the 2024–2025 salary arrears, ensuring every doctor’s payslip reflects the new salary rates, pushing for the employment of 2,000 doctors, and demanding that county governments promote deserving doctors and provide functional medical cover.
The doctors’ union insists that fulfilling these commitments is key to guaranteeing industrial harmony, which in turn is crucial for the successful rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“The next frontier is to secure the 2024–2025 arrears, ensure every doctor’s payslip reflects the rightful new salary rates, and push for the employment of 2,000 doctors. We also challenge county governors to honour their commitments by promoting all deserving doctors and providing FUNCTIONAL medical cover. This will guarantee industrial harmony, an essential foundation for the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” Atellah stated.
