The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union ( KMPDU) has called on the government to urgently employ at least 3,000 doctors annually and directly absorb intern doctors into permanent and pensionable terms.
The demands were among key resolutions adopted during the KMPDU 10th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) 2026, where doctors from across the country gathered to deliberate on the future of healthcare and the welfare of medical professionals in Kenya.
The conference reaffirmed doctors’ commitment to pushing for reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery, safeguarding the dignity of the medical profession, and strengthening the Union’s governance structures.
Doctors Demand Full CBA Implementation
Delegates unanimously resolved to push for the full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement , including salary adjustments to match the rising cost of living and years of wage stagnation.
The conference also demanded the immediate settlement of all salary arrears owed to doctors and comprehensive medical insurance coverage for doctors employed by both the National and County Governments.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, Davji Atellah said the government must honour agreements signed with doctors.
“We have a return-to-work agreement that was signed in 2024. It was very clear that the government would employ 2,000 doctors in this financial year ending in June and provide a plan for annual employment thereafter,” he said.
Atellah warned that the Union had issued an ultimatum requiring the government to employ the 2,000 doctors before the end of June.
Union Demands Payment of KSh1.75 Billion Arrears
The KMPDU Secretary General further revealed that the government owes doctors approximately KSh1.75 billion in arrears, money that was reportedly released to counties in July last year but has not yet been paid to doctors.
“There is a resolution from this meeting that the money must be paid within 21 days from today’s deliberations,” Atellah stated.
Praise for Seamless Internship Posting
The conference also discussed the issue of intern doctors, with KMPDU acknowledging improvements in the posting process under the current Health Ministry leadership.
Atellah commended the Ministry for ensuring a smoother process without the disputes and demonstrations witnessed in previous years.
“We have seen a seamless process where interns are being posted without demonstrations or drama. We also received a promise from the Ministry that interns will be posted by July 1 this year,” he said.
ADC Strengthens Union Governance
Internally, the ADC strengthened the Union’s governance structures through constitutional review processes, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and trustee elections conducted in line with constitutional requirements.
Delegates emphasized that unity and solidarity among doctors remain central in the fight for fairness, safe working conditions, improved welfare, and quality patient care for Kenyans.