KMPDU’s Attellah issues return-to-work formula involving 633 doctors
By Joel Masibo, September 3, 2025The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a breakthrough in addressing the long-standing issue of post-graduate training fees for doctors.
According to the union, all outstanding post-graduate fees between 2018 and 2024 have now been approved for payment, covering a total of 633 doctors across various specialities in the country.
According to a statement issued by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah on Wednesday, September 2, 2025, the milestone follows the commitments made in the Return to Work Formula (RTWF) signed on May 8, 2024, in which the Ministry of Health pledged to clear the arrears.
At that time, the ministry settled fees for 420 government-sponsored registrars dating back to 2018. However, delays persisted as the training committee had not convened since 2019, creating a backlog. The suspension of sponsorships for doctors specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery further compounded the problem.
Through sustained engagement and pressure on the Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, the union has now secured a full resolution of the matter. In addition to the initial 420 cases, sponsorship requests for a further 211 doctors have been approved under the 2024/25–2025/26 financial years, bringing the total number cleared to 633. Notably, even doctors who completed their training without sponsorship will now have their dues settled.
”This brings the total number of doctors whose postgraduate fees have been settled to 633. Importantly, even those who completed training without their fees being paid will now have their dues settled,” Atellah stated.
”As we have always stated, the RTWF of 2024 was about leaving no doctor behind. Our duty as your leaders is to ensure its total implementation.”
The development was confirmed in an official communication from the Ministry of Health dated August 25, 2025, affirming the approvals made in line with the RTWF agreement.
Following the unfolding, Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah hailed the achievement as a testament to the union’s solidarity and persistence, emphasising that the 2024 RTWF was designed to ensure no doctor was left behind.
“To the 633 doctors, congratulations! This achievement reflects our unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to securing the rights of our members,” Dr Atellah said.
The union has vowed to continue championing the welfare of doctors and ensuring full implementation of agreements reached with the government.