Doctors across Kenya have finally received the second and final batch of their long-pending 2017–2024 salary arrears, marking the conclusion of a seven-year battle 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 that the salary arrears had been processed and 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 Mary Muthoni She went ahead to note that the purpose of the letter was therefore to notify doctors that the second and final payment has been processed, approved, and released. By-product instructions have also been forwarded to the respective banks for onward crediting into the doctors’ accounts.
KMPDU Celebrates Historic Win
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah confirmed that the funds had reached doctors’ accounts, calling it a major milestone for healthcare professionals and labor unions alike.
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
Dr AtellahHe emphasized that the disbursement represents the culmination of KMPDU’s push 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
Dr AtellahPresidential Commitment Fulfilled
Dr. Atellah attributed the breakthrough in part to President William Ruto’s personal intervention, following a meeting in May 2024 at State House, Nairobi. Where he noted that in the meeting, the President gave his commitment to resolve not only the arrears in less than two years but also other pending CBA issues.
Dr. Atellah also praised the roles played by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and PS Mary Muthoni in implementing the Return-to-Work Formula as he noted that their leadership has been instrumental in implementing the 2024 Return-to-Work Formula. The CS embraced dialogue and a forthright attitude in implementing agreements.
What’s Next for KMPDU?
Looking forward, KMPDU has set its sights on ensuring the 2024–2025 arrears are addressed, and that doctors’ payslips reflect the new salary rates. The union is also pushing for the employment of 2,000 additional doctors.
Conclusion
Dr. Atellah called on county governors to uphold their responsibilities, particularly in promoting deserving doctors and providing functional medical cover. As that will ensure industrial harmony, a prerequisite for a successful UHC implementation.
