Doctors' Demand For Salary Increase Over High Cost Of Living Gains Momentum

• Kenyan doctors demand an increment in their monthly salaries to compensate for the current high cost of living
• KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah held a kamukunji with doctors in Bomet, from which they agreed to commence their salary increase push
• Earlier, KMPDU addressed a notice of strike to the national government should it turn a blind eye to their salary increment demands

Nairobi - The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has initiated their push for better pay for doctors.

The medics, as earlier stated, demand an increment in their monthly pay to compensate for the current high cost of living.

On Thursday, July 27, KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah held a kamukunji with doctors in Bomet, from which they unanimously agreed to commence their salary increase push.

"We gathered for a powerful Kamkunji with the dedicated doctors of Bomet. It was an enriching experience where we collectively addressed pertinent issues affecting our members.

During our discussions, one crucial matter took centre stage - the pressing need for a salary increase. As the cost of living continues to rise, it's imperative that we advocate for fair compensation for our hardworking healthcare professionals. We stand united in pursuing better wages and improved living standards for all our members," said Davji.

Davji added that the union will continue to hold similar sessions with medics across the country, to advance their rights and welfare.

"These engaging sessions are just the beginning of many more to come! We eagerly look forward to fostering even stronger bonds and building a more connected community within our union," he added.

Doctors threaten to strike

As earlier reported, KMPDU addressed a notice of strike to the national government should it turn a blind eye to their salary increment demands.

The medics also asked the government to implement the untouched provisions in the previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that bear most of their grievances.

Addressing a presser in Nairobi on Saturday, July 8, Davji said the current cost of living continues to have a toll on his colleagues, stating that a salary commensurate with the economic status quo would suffice.

He said the passing of the Finance Bill 2023, which culminated in the new finance law will have adverse effects on doctors and other medical practitioners thus the need for an upward review of their salaries.

"In the Finance Act 2023, 52% of our salaries would go to tax. And as such, the NEC of the union has resolved to demand a salary increase for doctors across the country...The last time doctors had a change in their salaries was in 2016.

It has been seven years and today we can confidently say that more than 40% of our salaries have reduced based on the cost of commodities in 2016 and today," said Davji.