KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah during a past event/COURTESY
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on doctors' welfare and salary improvements after a court dismissed a petition challenging the union's April elections.
In a message to members, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said the Employment and Labour Relations Court had struck out the case contesting the April 2, 2026 elections, effectively affirming the legitimacy of the union's leadership.
"The union has triumphed in the litigation challenging our elections. The rule of law and the democratic will of our membership have prevailed," Atellah said.
According to the union, the court found the petition to be statute-barred and legally defective, bringing to an end months of uncertainty surrounding the election outcome.
"Let me be unequivocal: there is now no case, no pending litigation, and no legal barrier challenging our elections. Our National Executive Committee and branch officials stand fully authenticated, secure and legally undisputed," he said.
With the legal battle behind them, Atellah said the union's focus would now shift fully to addressing the concerns facing doctors across the country.
"The election chapter is closed, and the legal chapter is closed. The chapter of action begins now. You did not elect us to sit in courtrooms; you elected us to deliver," he said.
Among the union's immediate priorities are the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), enforcement of Return-to-Work Formula agreements, payment of salary arrears and the deployment of medical interns.
KMPDU is also pushing for the settlement of pending postgraduate school fees and improvements in working conditions for healthcare workers.
"We will translate this legal triumph into immediate momentum for your welfare and the negotiation of the 2025-2029 CBA. We must complete this process and secure the 55 per cent salary increase we currently demand," Atellah said.
The union revealed that it has already issued formal notices to the government regarding adjustments to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) system to facilitate implementation of new salary rates and payment of outstanding arrears.
Atellah said the notices also seek the immediate commencement of negotiations for the 2025-2029 CBA as resolved during the union's Annual Delegates Conference held on May 9, 2026.
The KMPDU boss called for unity among members, saying differences that emerged during the election period should now be set aside.
"Our adversaries are not within our ranks; our true battles are against the systemic failures that threaten our profession every day. KMPDU is a house with many rooms, but it stands on one unbreakable foundation: solidarity," he said.
He urged doctors across the 47 counties, state corporations, ministries and universities to rally behind the union's agenda as it pushes for better pay and improved working conditions.
"The work begins now. The results will follow, and we shall leave no doctor behind," Atellah said.
