The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has drawn a line in the sand, firmly rejecting any new rounds of multi-agency negotiations regarding doctors' salaries. In a decisive win for the medics, the union has confirmed that the government has capitulated and agreed to implement salary adjustments and pay arrears dating back to July 2025.

In a letter to members dated January 20, 2026, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah declared the time for talking over. The union’s stance is clear: the deal is done, the court has spoken, and the only remaining step is for the cash to hit the accounts. This development follows a high-stakes standoff where the Ministry of Public Service had attempted to convene a new "multi-agency forum" to re-examine the implementation framework—a move the union blasted as a delaying tactic designed to frustrate an already exhausted workforce.

"No More Boardroom Games"

"We have rejected the proposal for a fresh multi-agency team," Dr. Atellah stated, his tone brooking no argument. "That work was done in 2023. It took eight months. We have agreed salary notches. We have defined arrears. The courts adopted this in 2024. Why are we meeting again to discuss what has already been decided?" The union boss revealed that the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors have now backed the union's position, conceding that further talks would only breed unrest.

The stakes for the average Kenyan doctor are life-changing. Under the implemented deal, entry-level doctors are set to see their gross remuneration rise significantly, with some estimates placing the figure around KES 413,000 (approx. $3,170). Crucially, medical interns—often the backbone of public hospitals—will earn approximately KES 206,000 (approx. $1,580) per month. These figures represent a restoration of dignity for a profession that has been besieged by strikes and brain drain.

• The Timeline: The implementation framework is currently being finalized by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Department of Public Service Management. Full implementation is expected by mid-February 2026.
• The Back pay: The agreement covers salary arrears from July 1, 2025. This means doctors can expect a lump sum payment to cover the seven-month delay, a massive financial injection for thousands of medics.
• The Legal Shield: By relying on the 2024 court adoption of their CBA, the KMPDU has effectively inoculated itself against future government backtracking, making these payments a legal debt rather than a negotiated favor.

A Sector on the Brink of Stability?

This agreement could signal a rare period of industrial peace in Kenya’s volatile health sector. For years, the cycle of strikes has paralyzed service delivery, leaving patients stranded. By honoring the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) terms, the government appears to be acknowledging that the cost of perpetual conflict is higher than the cost of paying a living wage. "Funds are available," Dr. Atellah assured his members, signaling that the Treasury has finally unlocked the necessary billions.

However, trust remains fragile. Doctors have heard "the money is coming" before, only to be met with empty payslips. As the mid-February deadline approaches, the eyes of 4.9 million Kenyans relying on public healthcare will be on the Treasury. If the government falters now, the KMPDU has proven it can—and will—shut down the nation's hospitals.