Kenya's Healthcare on Brink of Collapse as Doctors Issue 14-Day Ultimatum

Strategic Insights -

Tensions have escalated between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) and the government over outstanding salary adjustments and arrears. The union has warned of a nationwide strike, crippling the country's medical services, if the government fails to resolve the issues within the next 14 days. The dispute centers on agreements made years ago, including the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) executed in 2024. Despite signed agreements and court orders, healthcare workers continue to experience delays in receiving their adjusted salaries and accumulated arrears.

Key Takeaways:

  • The KMPDU has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, threatening nationwide industrial action over outstanding salary adjustments and arrears.
  • The dispute centers on agreements made years ago, including the 2017-2021 CBA and the 2024 RTWF.
  • Healthcare workers have been waiting for salary adjustments since 2011, with the first instalment of Sh1.75 billion paid in December and January, but the second instalment remaining unpaid.
  • The treasury acknowledged the delays in a letter dated May 26, 2025, citing the delay in approval of the County Government Additional Allocation Act 2025.
  • The Council of Governors and county governments have also taken steps to facilitate the payment of arrears, but the funds remain outstanding.
  • The KMPDU is concerned that the allocated funds for arrears may be diverted to other uses, with Dr Atellah questioning the fate of the money.
  • The union is calling for the implementation of previously agreed terms, including the salary adjustments and payment of arrears.

Statistics:

  • The outstanding issues stem from the 2017-2021 CBA and the 2024 RTWF.
  • The union is seeking the payment of arrears of Sh1.75 billion for county government health workers.
  • The first instalment of Sh1.75 billion was paid in December and January, but the second instalment remains unpaid.
  • The treasury is expected to release the second instalment, but the timeline remains uncertain.
  • The County Government Additional Allocation Act 2025 allocated funds for salary adjustments and arrears.

Sources:

  • August 4, 2025 letter to Chief of Staff Felix Koskei and Cabinet secretaries from the KMPDU.
  • Letter from Council of Governors dated February 2025 requesting the National Treasury to disburse funds for salary adjustments.
  • Letter from Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga dated June 11, 2025, requesting the transfer of Sh1.75 billion in salary arrears for county government health workers.
  • Letter from Council of Governors Chief Executive Officer Mary Mwiti dated July 4, 2025, requesting a new IPPD code for adjusted doctors' basic salaries.
  • Letter from Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki dated July 9, 2025, requesting the disbursement of Sh1.75 billion for basic salary arrears.
  • Letter from the National Treasury dated May 26, 2025, acknowledging the delays in payment of arrears.