Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Doctors have issued a stern warning to three counties that have failed to comply with the May 2024 Return-to-Work Formula and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

In a press statement obtained by , the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) acknowledged notable improvements, especially in areas such as salary arrears, internship placements, postgraduate training, promotions, and medical insurance.

The union also praised the Ministry of Health for renewed efforts under Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, for making notable improvements, particularly in areas like salary arrears.

"The union also praised the Ministry of Health for renewed efforts under the new Cabinet secretary to resolve longstanding challenges in the sector," the statement read in part.

However, KMPDU secretary general Davji Bhimji Atellah called out Nakuru, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties for what he termed as a blatant disregard of the Return-to-Work Formula and CBA provisions.

The three counties have been issued a red notice and given until May 24 to comply fully. Failure to do so, Atellah warned, will see doctors in those regions going on strike.

“We will no longer wait for justice; we will enforce it,” he said, adding that healthcare delivery must not be undermined by government inaction.

The union reaffirmed its unity and resolve with the banner: 'Stronger Together'.

This comes after Duale informed the Senate Health Committee in early April that the government had planned to employ intern doctors, but there remains a disagreement over the remuneration—whether to follow the KMPDU's demands or the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s recommendations.

The announcement came after Atellah faulted the government for what he described as a lack of commitment to effective medical human resource planning.

He criticised the government for slashing the health budget in the 2025/26 Budget Policy Statement, calling it a betrayal of Kenyans who rely on public healthcare.

He decried the worsening state of hospitals, citing a shortage of essential supplies, overworked medical staff, and delayed salaries.

Atellah accused leaders of prioritising personal enrichment over healthcare reforms, warning that quality care cannot be delivered in understaffed and under-resourced facilities.

He called for full funding of the healthcare sector and adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements to protect health workers’ welfare.

Meanwhile, Atellah marked Labour Day by paying tribute to healthcare workers across Kenya, acknowledging their dedication, resilience, and sacrifices.

He emphasised that decent work, fair pay, and safe working conditions are fundamental rights, not privileges.

The KMPDU boss reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending healthcare workers' rights and ensuring the sustainability of the sector.

Atellah also underscored that healthcare must be treated as a universal right, calling for compassion, access, and dignity for every Kenyan.

Source: TUKO.co.ke