Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and improving the welfare of healthcare workers across the country. Speaking on Saturday at the 9th Annual Delegates Conference of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in Mombasa, Duale said the Ministry of Health is working to ensure timely internship placements and implementation of all signed agreements.
Duale announced that 1,035 medical officer interns, 83 dental officer interns, and 503 pharmacist interns have already been balloted for placement, with rotations set to begin in July 2025. He acknowledged the challenges facing the internship programme, including oversupply of graduates, delayed postings, and poor supervision. He noted that the government, in collaboration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and county governments, is addressing these issues by enforcing quality standards, expanding accredited internship centres, and aligning placements with workforce demands and budget realities.
“The government is fully committed to implementing all CBAs and return-to-work formulas agreed upon during past industrial actions,” Duale said, adding that health worker welfare is central to delivering quality healthcare.
The CS also highlighted the rollout of Taifa Care under the Social Health Authority (SHA), urging health professionals to support public awareness efforts. “We must work together to transform Universal Health Coverage from a policy into a lived reality,” he said.
KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah acknowledged progress in implementing key agreements, crediting Duale’s leadership. “Last year, we said ‘Nakhumicha must go’. Today, we say ‘Duale must come’,” Atellah said, applauding the CS for his collaborative approach.
However, Atellah warned of a potential doctors’ strike if Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties fail to honour the May 2024 Return-to-Work Formula by May 24. While national progress was noted, Atellah accused some counties of blatantly ignoring agreements.
The Mombasa conference, hosted at PrideInn Hotel, marked one year since the 56-day nationwide doctors’ strike, which spotlighted deep-rooted grievances in the healthcare system. Senior health officials and KMPDU leadership were present at the event.
