The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced that more than 1,800 newly posted medical interns will earn a monthly salary of Ksh206,000, in line with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

In a statement released on July 2, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah assured the interns comprising medical officers, pharmacists, and dentists that they will receive their full dues as stipulated in the binding agreement.

Other healthcare interns, he added, will be paid according to their respective schemes of service.

Dr. Atellah noted that the union remains committed to upholding the rights and dignity of medical trainees, emphasizing that the move is a major step in stabilizing the country’s health workforce following years of salary-related disputes and posting delays.

He also commended Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale for resolving the long-standing salary stalemate, which had persisted under previous regimes.

The breakthrough follows months of tension between the union and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), which had recommended slashing the intern salary to Ksh70,000.

A potential nationwide strike in December 2024 was averted after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki mediated talks that secured the Ksh206,000 pay package and addressed salary arrears.

The Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, and KMPDU all signed the agreement, which included the immediate release of Ksh1.75 billion, with the balance scheduled for disbursement by July 2025.

Dr. Atellah confirmed that the interns’ pay slips have already been updated to reflect the agreed amount.