KMPDU pushes for 30% salary increment for doctors

KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah said the proposed agreement seeks to improve the welfare of doctors across the country, from interns to specialist consultants.

Among the proposals is a 30 per cent salary increment for doctors. 

Speaking at the KMPDU Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Atellah said doctors have not received any salary increment since 2017, despite the sharp rise in the cost of living and inflation.

“The last time doctors got a salary increment was in 2017, yet inflation has been very high,” stated Atellah.

He maintained that the proposed 30 per cent increase was reasonable considering the current economic conditions facing healthcare workers.

“Our demand for a 30 per cent increment is not high,” he added.

Atellah also criticised the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), accusing it of frustrating previous attempts to secure better pay for doctors despite growing economic pressure.

The union is also proposing automatic employment for doctors graduating every year, alongside improved medical insurance cover for doctors working in counties.

Atellah expressed confidence that the new leadership would continue pushing for improved welfare and better working conditions for healthcare workers.

“What you have bestowed upon us today, which we take with utmost humility, is to serve you and to offer service,” stated Atellah.

“When I speak to any of the authorities, I speak knowing very well that there are 10,000 doctors that I represent,” he added.

The KMPDU boss also reflected on the 2024 nationwide doctors’ strike, saying union leaders resisted attempts to compromise their stand while fighting for the rights of doctors and interns.

“Money was offered in big amounts, but none of the leaders dared think about taking any bribes,” he stated.

He further noted that the union had made progress in securing better treatment for interns.

“For the first time in almost 15 years, interns did not have to go to the streets before getting their salaries,” he added.