Doctors feel heard as talks with CS Duale progress

For the first time in its history, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) welcomed a sitting Cabinet Secretary for Health to its Annual Delegates Conference, marking a pivotal moment in what many doctors are calling a “new dawn” in government-union relations.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale struck a reconciliatory and forward-looking tone in his address to union members, describing his presence at the meeting as a “deliberate signal” of the government’s renewed commitment to open, structured, and sustained engagement with health workers.

“This is not a coincidence, it’s a statement,” said CS Duale.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to join you… We’ve made important strides through trust, dialogue, and partnership, and I reaffirm my dedication to walking this journey with you.”

In a significant breakthrough, CS Duale reported that the government had already paid Ksh 1.75 billion in doctors’ basic salary arrears, fulfilling part of the 2024 Return to Work Formula agreed upon after a standoff earlier in the year.

The remaining balance, he assured delegates, would be settled in the next financial year.

Duale also announced major investments in postgraduate medical training, confirming that 93 doctors had been approved for tuition sponsorships amounting to Ksh 142 million.

Of this, Ksh 73.8 million has already been disbursed to cover the first cohort of 54 doctors, with processing underway for the remaining 39.

“To ensure inclusivity, any doctor currently undertaking specialist training but omitted from the list is encouraged to submit their request,” he said.

The Health Ministry’s broader aim, Duale noted, is to build a fit-for-purpose and skilled health workforce to support the roll-out of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), calling health workers the “cornerstone” of the agenda.

“There can be no UHC without doctors, nurses, and other health professionals being fully equipped, supported, and empowered to serve,” he added.

Turning to a long-standing pain point for young medics, the internship crisis, Duale acknowledged the broken pipeline caused by delayed postings, inadequate supervision, and the unregulated expansion of medical training institutions.

“We are seeing the effects of some institutions admitting four times their capacity. This threatens the quality and integrity of our healthcare system,” he warned.

To address this, the Ministry plans to convene a multi-stakeholder forum in the coming days, bringing together county governments, regulators and KMPDU to chart a sustainable way forward.

The government has also committed to expanding internship centres and ensuring equitable deployment across counties.

Reassuring newly qualified professionals, Duale revealed that 1,035 medical officer interns, 83 dental officer interns and 503 pharmacy interns had successfully been placed through a ballot and would begin rotations in July 2025.

“This is not just about numbers, it’s about dignity, equity and ensuring our doctors are trained and absorbed in ways that uphold professional standards,” he emphasized.

Duale also addressed the challenges doctors face in accessing services under the Social Health Authority (SHA), terming it “unconscionable” that those delivering care often struggle to receive it themselves.

“I am working closely with SHA, the Digital Health Agency, the Council of Governors and the National Treasury to resolve this. We must care for our caregivers,” he said.

KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah acknowledged the progress, noting that while challenges remain, the tone and substance of engagement have shifted dramatically under CS Duale.

“When CS Duale was appointed, we dismissed him as a politician and feared healthcare would be politicised. At our Central Branch AGM, we openly questioned if he could grasp the real issues,” Dr. Atellah recalled.

“But after our meeting on April 10th, which lasted just 10 minutes instead of the usual long negotiations, we were shocked, he had read the CBA, understood our past strikes and clearly outlined our grievances without prompting.”

“When someone demonstrates the intention to act, we must give them space to deliver. This kind of engagement must continue. And I urge the Governor of Mombasa to push the Council of Governors to ensure our next CBA (2025–2029) factors in inflation so we never again debate intern wages.”

In his closing remarks, the Health CS called for sustained collaboration, urging KMPDU and its members to keep communication lines open and help shape the reforms needed to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system.

“The government is investing in its people, you are that investment,” he said.

“With your input and partnership, we will build a system that is fair, responsive, and world-class.”

As doctors listened, many with cautious optimism, the message was clear: for the first time in years, they feel seen and finally, they feel heard.