Kenya Doctors Secure Landmark Deal on Pay, Internships, Averting Further Strikes

In a significant breakthrough, Kenyan doctors and the Ministry of Health have reached a comprehensive agreement on critical issues including salaries, collective bargaining agreement, medical cover, employment, and internships, potentially heading off future industrial action. The deal, forged in high-level talks led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, marks a crucial step in resolving long-standing disputes that have plagued Kenya healthcare sector. While welcoming the commitments, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has vowed to remain vigilant to ensure the government honors every timeline. This agreement comes after years of tension, including a major 2024 doctors' strike, and addresses key demands such as the immediate activation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) code for basic salary adjustments, and the resolution of salary arrears dating back to 2017. The government has also committed to recruiting 2,000 new doctors and ensuring the seamless annual posting of medical interns at Collective Bargaining Agreement rates, a perennial pain point for medical graduates. Furthermore, the deadline for Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions has been extended to prevent disruptions to doctors' medical cover, and negotiations for the 2025-2029 CBA are set to begin next week, where the KMPDU previously demanded a 55% pay rise. The immediate focus now shifts to the implementation of these pledges, with a report on salary arrears expected by August 2 and payments for 2024/2025 arrears targeted for December 2026. While this national agreement signals positive progress, regional challenges persist, as evidenced by a recent seven-day strike notice issued by doctors in Trans Nzoia County over delayed salaries and promotions. The KMPDU continued vigilance will be key to translating these commitments into tangible improvements for healthcare workers across Kenya.