Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) has joined a section of Kenyans opposed to the move by Members of Parliament to increase their pay.

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved a KSh 4.4 billion pay raise for lawmakers beginning Tuesday, April 1, 2025, where MPs will receive KSh 366,011 more.

However, in a statement on his X account, KMPDU secretary general Davji Attellah termed the move by the lawmakers as a betrayal of Kenyans.

Atellah wondered why lawmakers opted to demand more pay despite slashing the 2025/26 health budget.

"This is a betrayal of every Kenyan who depends on public healthcare. The government has made its priorities clear—billions more for MPs while slashing the health budget, the most reduced sector in the 2025/26 Budget Policy Statement," Atellah said.

According to Atellah, it is wrong for MPs to enrich themselves when the country's healthcare system is facing many challenges, including a lack of essential supplies and unpaid doctors.

Atellah slammed the SRC for agreeing to the demands by lawmakers, despite the same body disrespecting Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) by the unions.

"Hospitals are running out of essential supplies, doctors and nurses are overworked and underpaid, and Kenyans are suffering in a crumbling healthcare system. Yet, instead of fixing this crisis, our leaders choose to enrich themselves.

"At the same time, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) are being mutilated and blatantly disrespected. Agreements meant to guarantee fair pay, better working conditions, and dignity for healthcare workers are tossed aside, while politicians ensure their benefits are untouched," he added.

Atellah demanded full funding of the healthcare system and for the government to respect CBAs that protect doctors' interests.

"How can we provide quality care when salaries are delayed, facilities are understaffed, CBAs are ignored, and medics are forced to work in deplorable conditions? Healthcare is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right! We demand full funding for our healthcare system and respect for the CBAs that protect our workforce," he stated.

In a related development, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka criticised the salary increment proposed for the lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Senate.

In a statement, the outspoken Kisii senator said the proposal by SRC to increase MPs' salaries in the current state of the economy was mistaken.

Onyonka, a firm critic of President William Ruto's administration, suggested the channelling of the KSh 4.4 billion to other reasonable causes, such as helping needy children access basic needs such as food and education.

Source: TUKO.co.ke