The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has signed a Recognition Agreement with Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital (MKRH) in Othaya, Nyeri County. This agreement provides a framework for addressing challenges affecting doctors at the referral facility. KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah stated that the union and hospital are expected to negotiate and conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by December 2026.
Dr. Atellah mentioned that one of the issues raised by the union is the conversion of doctors working on locum terms to permanent and pensionable employment. According to him, the hospital has confirmed that the necessary documentation and alignment with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) are at an advanced stage. The union aims to ensure this process is completed by December.
The union has also raised concerns over medical insurance for doctors at the facility. Dr. Atellah stated that MKRH is working towards securing private medical insurance for its doctors, with implementation expected within the next two months. In the interim, consultations with the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) are ongoing to ensure doctors are covered.
KMPDU further wants measures to improve the retention of doctors at the Othaya-based facility. The union argues that public hospitals outside major urban centres struggle to retain medical personnel when better opportunities and incentives are concentrated in major towns and cities. Dr. Atellah emphasized that the planned CBA would provide an opportunity to negotiate additional benefits aimed at making MKRH a more attractive workplace for doctors.
Dr. Atellah and MKRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peter Muiruri signed the recognition deal for doctors at the facility. The agreement marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by doctors at MKRH. The union's focus will now shift to implementation and accountability as they work with the hospital to develop a CBA that addresses the realities facing doctors at MKRH.
The Recognition Agreement is not the finish line, but rather the beginning of a commitment to deliver. Dr. Atellah emphasized that KMPDU will continue engaging the hospital to ensure that the agreements are implemented. The union is committed to working with MKRH to improve the working conditions of doctors at the facility.
The agreement was signed on September 25, 2026, at the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital. Key issues addressed in the agreement include conversion of locum doctors to permanent employment, medical insurance, and retention of doctors at the facility.
Key points
- KMPDU and Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital sign recognition agreement to address doctors' challenges.
- The union and hospital aim to conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement by December 2026.
- The agreement addresses issues such as conversion of locum doctors to permanent employment and medical insurance for doctors.
