Garissa to hire more doctors, fast-track promotions in new pact with KMPDU

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a series of far-reaching commitments by the Garissa County Government following a meeting with Governor Nathif Jama and his administration officials on Friday.

In a statement issued by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, the union said the talks - held at the KMPDU offices in Nairobi - resulted in a “progressive and actionable work plan” aimed at resolving long-standing issues affecting doctors serving in Garissa.

According to the union, the county leadership demonstrated a renewed willingness to engage, signalling what Dr. Atellah described as a constructive shift toward strengthening healthcare delivery for residents.

Among the headline agreements is the long-awaited redesignation of 20 doctors who have remained stuck in Job Group M.

The county committed to issuing their Job Group Q appointment letters by December 17, 2025 ; a move expected to end years of stagnation and discontent.

Garissa has also released all doctors who applied for study leave, the union noted. Nineteen medics are currently pursuing postgraduate studies, while another six are undertaking fellowship programmes as part of efforts to boost the county’s pool of specialists.

On staffing terms, the county pledged to confirm 19 doctors serving under two-year contracts to permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms once their contracts lapse next year.

The union has long criticised the over-reliance on contract positions across counties, arguing it undermines workforce stability.

In a bid to bolster staffing levels, Garissa County is also progressing with the recruitment of eight additional doctors within the current financial year.

“The County Finance Department will engage with the KMPDU Accounts Office to ensure the timely remittance of all deducted union dues. KMPDU officials plan to conduct an official visit to Garissa County within this month,” Dr. Atellah noted.