Government strikes reach deal with doctors to avoid national strike

Vice President Kithure Kindiki negotiated a deal with the Kenya Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), averting a nationwide doctors’ strike that was due to begin on December 22, 2024.

The agreement resolves major grievances regarding in-house physician salaries and salary arrears, ensuring the continuity of medical services across the country.

Under the agreement, intern doctors will receive a monthly salary of Sh206,000 as stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2017. This represents a significant increase from the current salary range of Sh40,000 to Sh70,000 set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Additionally, the government has committed to immediately paying Sh1.75 billion in basic salary arrears, with the remaining balance to be settled by July 2025.

“The government appreciates the expertise, sacrifices and patriotic contribution of all our health workers. The health of every Kenyan is a priority for the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Vice President Kindiki said during the signing ceremony at his official residence.

The agreement was signed in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Health (MoH), Council of Governors (CoG) and KMPDU.

Kindiki assured the union that intern doctors would start receiving their updated salaries and arrears from December 23, 2024.

KMPDU general secretary Dr Davji Atellah confirmed the updates, saying that the pay slips of intern doctors have already been adjusted to reflect the new salaries. “This is a historic moment for the medical profession. This demonstrates the dedication and collective strength of our union,” he said.

Dr Atellah also announced that 50 per cent of the basic salary arrears were now disbursed, with Kwale County leading the processing of payments through KCB Bank. Additionally, fees were paid to 44 physicians to support their professional development.

“A budget of Sh65 million has been allocated to support the registration offices. We urge eligible physicians to quickly submit their documents to access these funds,” added Dr. Atellah. He noted that all payments should be made in all counties by December 26, 2024.

This agreement marks an important step in resolving long-standing grievances between the government and health care workers. The 2017 collective agreement, which promised improved pay and working conditions, has not been fully implemented, sparking discontent within the medical community.

The union boss highlighted previous frustrations, including the government’s failure to comply with court rulings. A judgment delivered on October 26, 2024 confirmed the provisions of the ABC regarding the remuneration of intern doctors, but their implementation has until now remained uncertain.

“National and county governments have ignored agreements and court rulings, forcing us to consider industrial action,” Dr Atellah said.

The planned strike had raised concerns about disruption to Kenya’s already strained health system. However, the agreement included a reprieve, with the union confirming that industrial action will be suspended once funds are disbursed.

Vice President Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges and stressed the importance of collaboration.

“We will continue to engage proactively and in good faith to resolve any remaining issues,” he said.