KMPDU reports improved pay, job security for doctors in 2025

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has termed 2025 a historic turning point for doctors in the country, citing major gains secured through sustained industrial action, negotiations and solidarity among its members.

In a statement addressed to union members on Monday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the year “did not end quietly,” describing it as “the culmination of sustained resolve defined by grit, gains, and unwavering solidarity.”

“This journey was neither easy nor gifted. Every gain was earned through coordinated effort, painful sacrifice, and relentless focus,” Dr Atellah said, adding that the victories were “fought in the streets, negotiated in tense boardrooms, and paid for with the blood, sweat, and tears of doctors who refused to be silenced.”

Among the key achievements highlighted was the resolution of long-standing pay challenges facing medical interns.

According to the union, 1,257 interns posted in August 2024 received full Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)-compliant pay, including arrears settled in February 2025 following a December 19, 2024 agreement.

“The current cohort of 1,750 interns now earns CBA salaries from their first month of posting, a historic shift secured through sustained demonstrations and engagement,” stated Dr. Atellah.

KMPDU also reported the payment of seven-year basic salary arrears that had previously been considered unattainable.

“For years, seven-year basic salary arrears were dismissed as a pipe dream. In 2025, we proved otherwise,” Dr Atellah said.

He noted that 5,186 doctors received their arrears in two tranches in January and September 2025, paid directly from the National Treasury.

On career progression, the union said more than 3,100 doctors were promoted across counties, ministries and Level Six hospitals, while postgraduate training approvals, which had stalled since 2017, were restored.

“A system frozen since 2017 was reactivated,” the statement noted, indicating that 633 postgraduate fee approvals were secured, with 500 already paid and a structured payment schedule set to begin in 2026.

Job security was also listed as a major gain, with over 1,000 doctors converted from contract terms to Permanent and Pensionable positions.

At Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the union said more than 120 doctors who had earned Ksh.80,000 since 2019 were transitioned to three-year contracts earning Ksh.300,000 plus gratuity.

The union further cited reforms in the remittance of statutory deductions, stating that following sustained advocacy, deductions will now be released to counties by the 3rd of every month to ensure compliance by the 9th.

Reflecting on industrial action, KMPDU said 21 strikes were successfully conducted in 2025. “No victimization. Withheld salaries released. Doctors protected. When we stand together, we win together,” Dr Atellah said.

Looking ahead to 2026, the union outlined what it termed “clear and non-negotiable” priorities, including basic salary adjustments across counties, mass employment of 2,000 doctors as agreed on May 8, 2024, seamless intern postings, and finalization of the 2025–2029 CBA.

“The strides of 2025 laid the foundation. In 2026, we turn resolve into results,” Dr. Atellah said.