KMPDU Demands 30% Salary Increase for Doctors in New 2025–2029 CBA
KMPDU is demanding a 30 per cent salary increase for doctors under the proposed 2025–2029 CBA, citing inflation, rising living costs and the need to improve welfare for healthcare workers across Kenya.
KMPDU officials during a press briefing following the swearing-in ceremony, where they outlined demands for improved doctors’ welfare, including a proposed 30% salary increment under the 2025–2029 CBA. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) is pushing for the implementation of proposals contained in the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including a 30 per cent salary increment for doctors across the country.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony of new union officials, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said the proposed agreement seeks to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, ranging from interns to specialist consultants.
Atellah noted that doctors have not received a salary increment since 2017 despite the rising cost of living and increasing inflation.
“The last time doctors got a salary increment was in 2017, yet inflation has been very high,” he said.
He defended the union’s demand for a 30 per cent salary review, saying it reflects the current economic realities facing healthcare workers.
“Our demand for a 30 per cent increment is not high,” Atellah added.
The KMPDU Secretary General also criticised the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), accusing the commission of frustrating previous efforts to secure improved pay for doctors.
In addition to salary adjustments, the union is proposing automatic employment for newly graduated doctors and enhanced medical insurance cover for healthcare workers employed by county governments.
Atellah expressed confidence in the newly elected union leadership, saying it would continue advocating for improved working conditions and welfare for doctors nationwide.
“What you have bestowed upon us today, which we take with utmost humility, is to serve you and to offer service,” he stated.
“When I speak to any of the authorities, I speak knowing very well that there are 10,000 doctors that I represent,” he added.
The union boss also reflected on the nationwide doctors’ strike held in 2024, saying union officials resisted attempts to compromise their stand while advocating for the rights of doctors and interns.
“Money was offered in big amounts, but none of the leaders dared think about taking any bribes,” he said.
Atellah further noted that the union had made progress in addressing challenges affecting medical interns.
“For the first time in almost 15 years, interns did not have to go to the streets before getting their salaries,” he added.
About Author
