When Aden Duale was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Health, his entry into the Ministry raised eyebrows. Critics were quick to express concern, suggesting that a politician taking the reins of one of the country’s most vital sectors could signal a shift towards politicisation rather than reform. For many within the healthcare system particularly medical professionals who had experienced prolonged disputes and unmet promises Duale’s appointment was met with apprehension and skepticism.
Among the most vocal were members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who questioned whether Duale would grasp the complexities of their long-standing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The CBA has been a central issue for the union, touching on critical matters such as wages, working conditions, and the employment of medical interns. During internal discussions, doctors expressed doubts over whether a non-medical professional could truly understand their concerns or prioritize their needs.
However, just a few months into his tenure, Duale appears to have flipped the script. Speaking during a KMPDU delegates conference in Mombasa, Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah acknowledged that the initial doubts about Duale’s capability were beginning to fade. Atellah shared that during one of the union’s central branch meetings, members had openly worried that Duale’s political background would hinder meaningful engagement with the medical fraternity. Yet, subsequent interactions with the new CS proved otherwise.
Atellah was keen to note that Duale demonstrated a strong command of the CBA’s contents and showed commitment to addressing the doctors’ grievances. He particularly lauded the Health CS for engaging constructively with union representatives and for being instrumental in averting potential strikes an all-too-familiar threat in Kenya’s healthcare sector. Atellah’s tone reflected a noticeable shift in perception: what had been a defensive posture toward a political appointee had turned into cautious optimism.
He pointed out that just a year earlier, the union had rallied under the call for the removal of the former CS. In contrast, during this year’s conference, there was a lighthearted yet telling call for Duale to “come,” symbolizing a reversal in opinion based on his performance so far. Atellah emphasized that when the union finally met with the new CS to discuss pressing issues, it became evident that he had taken the time to understand their needs. This effort alone helped restore some confidence among healthcare workers.
Duale, in his own response, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing the CBA. He argued that recognizing the needs of medical practitioners was crucial to delivering quality healthcare to all Kenyans. According to Duale, ensuring that doctors and other healthcare providers are adequately remunerated is not just about fairness it’s a foundational element in strengthening the country’s health system.
His words and actions have begun to set him apart from his predecessors. Duale is the third Health CS under the Kenya Kwanza administration, following the brief tenures of Dr. Deborah Barasa and Susan Nakhumicha. The frequent leadership changes within the ministry had previously raised concerns about continuity and effective policy implementation. Now, with Duale signaling stability and reform, there’s a growing sense among stakeholders that perhaps, this time, things might be different.
Ultimately, time will tell whether Duale can maintain the goodwill he has started to build. But for now, he has taken critical steps to bridge the gap between government and healthcare professionals a relationship that has often been fraught with tension and mistrust.
