Doctors across Kenya have received the long-awaited second and final installment of their 2017–2024 salary arrears, bringing closure to a seven-year standoff between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the government.
In a letter dated September 9, 2025, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed to KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah that the arrears had been released.
“Following the signing of the Return-to-Work Formula and its Addendum on 19th December 2024, the National Government committed to settling doctors’ basic salary arrears for the period 2017–2024 in two instalments. The first instalment was paid in December 2024,” PS Muthoni wrote. She added that the final payment had been processed, approved, and forwarded to doctors’ accounts.
Why is this considered a victory for doctors?
On Wednesday, Dr. Atellah confirmed that the funds had reached members, calling the payout a “historic victory” for both doctors and the wider labor movement.
“Today marks a historic victory for doctors and the labor movement in Kenya. After seven years of relentless pursuit, the second and final batch of the 2017–2024 Basic Salary Arrears has been released, and members have begun receiving them in their various banks,” he said.
He emphasized that the disbursement represented the union’s persistence in pushing for full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the 2024 Return-to-Work Agreement. “It proves that with unity of purpose, strategic and intentional leadership, workers can achieve a lot,” he added.
What role did leadership play in resolving the standoff?
Dr. Atellah credited President William Ruto, who pledged during a May 2024 State House meeting to resolve the arrears in less than two years. He also hailed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and PS Muthoni for their roles in implementing the Return-to-Work Formula.
“We acknowledge the support of our Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, and PS Mary Muthoni, whose leadership has been instrumental in implementing the 2024 Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF). The CS has embraced dialogue and forthright attitude in implementing agreements,” Dr. Atellah noted.
Looking ahead, the union is now focused on securing the 2024–2025 arrears, ensuring payslips reflect new salary rates, and pushing for the employment of 2,000 doctors.
“The next step is to secure the 2024–2025 arrears and ensure that every doctor’s payslip reflects the rightful new salary rates and employment of 2000 doctors,” Dr. Atellah said.
He also urged county governors to play their part in promoting deserving doctors and providing functional medical cover. “This will ensure industrial harmony, a prerequisite for a successful UHC implementation,” he stressed.
By Risper Akinyi