KMPDU leadership officially gazetted as SG Atellah unveils agenda for doctors

The newly re-elected leadership of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has been officially gazetted, formally confirming their return to office following the union’s elections.

An extract from the Registrar of Trade Unions shows that Secretary General Davji Atellah, National Chairperson Abidan Mwachi Muchuma, Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah Mbegah, Deputy Chairperson David Kahura Mundia, National Treasurer Mercy Nabwire, and Deputy Treasurer Renoh Achieng Omoro were all registered with effect from April 7, 2026.

Council members also gazetted included: William Waturu Muriuki, James Maina Githinji, Allan Aldoh Ochanji, Kipruto Aiyebei Ismael, Doris Kananu Kubai, Stephen Wekhomba, Mercy Cherono Siele, Onyango Steve Ochieng', Joseph Lubale Makomere, and Aweis Ismail Abdi.

Following the gazettement, Dr. Atellah released an inaugural statement thanking doctors for their participation in the election process and for renewing their trust in the current leadership.

“To every doctor who engaged in the election process… your faith is the fuel that drives this union,” he said, describing the outcome as a collective victory for members.

He said the new term would focus on delivering tangible gains for doctors, emphasizing that his leadership will be anchored on action rather than rhetoric.

Top on the agenda is the immediate settlement of salary arrears owed to doctors across government institutions, including the ministries of Health, Labour and Defence, as well as county governments.

Dr. Atellah also pledged to push for the full implementation of salary adjustments agreed upon in previous negotiations, ensure timely posting of medical interns in 2026, and advocate for increased hiring to address staffing shortages in public health facilities.

The KMPDU boss further committed to fast-tracking promotions for doctors, enforcing Return-to-Work Agreements, and securing a lasting solution to medical insurance challenges affecting healthcare workers.

At the centre of the union’s long-term strategy will be the negotiation and implementation of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which Dr. Atellah described as critical to improving doctors’ welfare.

He also signalled a shift towards greater member engagement, promising more transparent and consistent communication between the union leadership and its membership.

“This term marks the dawn of heightened membership engagement… we will be in the trenches with you,” he said.

Dr. Atellah urged unity among doctors, noting that solidarity would be key in confronting ongoing challenges in the health sector.

“Individually we are a whisper, but together we are a roar,” he said.

The union is now expected to convene its Annual Delegates Conference (ADC), where trustees and additional committees will be elected to complete its governance structure.

The gazettement marks the formal start of the leadership’s new term, placing the spotlight firmly on whether the renewed mandate will translate into meaningful reforms for doctors across the country.