Health CS Aden Duale, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah, his team, and Health PS Mary Muthoni / HANDOUTThe government has released Sh3.5 billion in arrears to doctors after a seven-year wait.
The amount is the second and final batch of the 2017–2024 Basic Salary Arrears.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union secretary general, Davji Atellah, confirmed the move, saying members are already receiving payments in their respective bank accounts.
“Today
marks a historic victory for doctors and the labour movement in Kenya. After
seven years of relentless pursuit, the second and final batch of the 2017–2024
Basic Salary Arrears has finally been released,” he said.
Atellah said the milestone crowns their struggle for the full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Return-to-Work Agreement signed in May 2024.
“It
proves that with unity of purpose and strategic, intentional leadership,
workers can achieve remarkable victories,” he added.
He said the move follows their engagement with President William Ruto in May 2024 at State House, Nairobi.
During the meeting, Atellah said the president committed to resolving the arrears within two years and addressing other pending CBA issues.
He further acknowledged the support of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and other ministry leadership, saying they have been instrumental in implementing the 2024 Return-to-Work Formula.
Atellah said the CS has embraced dialogue and demonstrated forthrightness in ensuring agreements are honoured.
“The next frontier is to secure the 2024–2025 arrears, ensure every doctor’s payslip reflects the rightful new salary rates, and push for the employment of 2,000 doctors,” he said.
He called on the county governors to honour their commitments by promoting all deserving doctors and providing functional medical cover.
The move, he said, will guarantee industrial harmony, an essential foundation for the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Congratulations, doctors! As you smile at the bank, remember, this is your victory. Let us now continue serving our patients with renewed strength, dignity, and compassion,” he added.
