KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah with MKRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peter Muiruri sign a recognition deal for doctors at the facility. PHOTO | COURTESY

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has signed a Recognition Agreement with Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital (MKRH) in Othaya, Nyeri County, paving the way for negotiations towards a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the agreement provides a framework for addressing challenges affecting doctors at the referral facility, with the union and hospital expected to negotiate and conclude a CBA by December 2026.

Dr. Atellah said the union had agreed with MKRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peter Muiruri to move beyond discussions and implement measures aimed at improving doctors' working conditions.

One of the issues raised by the union is the conversion of doctors working on locum terms to permanent and pensionable employment.

According to Dr. Atellah, the hospital has confirmed that the necessary documentation and alignment with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) are at an advanced stage.

“KMPDU will continue engaging the hospital to ensure this process is completed by December,” said the doctors’ union boss.

The union has also raised concerns over medical insurance for doctors at the facility.

Dr. Atellah said 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,” he noted.

The union further wants measures to improve the retention of doctors at the Othaya-based facility, arguing 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 said the planned CBA would provide an opportunity to negotiate additional benefits aimed at making MKRH a more attractive workplace for doctors.

“The Recognition Agreement is not the finish line. It is the beginning of a commitment to deliver,” Dr. Atellah said.

He said KMPDU's focus would now shift to implementation and accountability, as the union works with the hospital to develop a CBA that addresses the realities facing doctors at MKRH.