Kenya’s public health system faces a looming crisis as the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a 14-day strike notice. The union accuses both national and county governments of ignoring key agreements signed to improve doctors’ welfare.
In a letter addressed to senior government officials—including Public Service Head Felix Koskei, CSs Aden Duale (Health), John Mbadi (Treasury), Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service), Alfred Mutua (Labour), and the Council of Governors—KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah outlined multiple grievances.
At the center of the dispute is the government’s failure to honor the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and its addenda. The union points to delays in salary adjustments, unpaid arrears, and failure to release conditional grants to counties. These grants are critical to implementing the CBA.
Dr. Atellah emphasized that a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) signed in May 2024 and revised in December 2024 had clearly stated timelines. However, the government has failed to act on these commitments.
The County Government Additional Allocation Act, 2025, and the latest Supplementary Budget have left out essential allocations. This, according to KMPDU, confirms the State’s lack of commitment.
Doctors working under the Ministry of Health and Labour have also missed salary arrears. Even more concerning, their July 2025 payslips reflect no adjustments, violating the December addendum terms.
KMPDU has termed the failure to implement these agreements a breach of contract and a betrayal of trust.
The union has given the government 14 days to resolve the issues. If nothing changes, KMPDU’s leadership will meet to decide the next course of action—including a possible national strike.
