Ministry of Health settles postgraduate fees for 633 doctors
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah explained that in 2018, the ministry had cleared arrears for 420 government-sponsored registrars following talks with the union.
Over 600 doctors will finally have their postgraduate fees cleared after the Ministry of Health approved payments for arrears dating back to 2018, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah said in a statement that the approval covers a total of 633 doctors, marking what he described as a major breakthrough in implementing the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) signed on May 8, 2024.
“Today marks a significant milestone: all post-graduate fees for the period 2018–2024 have been approved for payment, covering a total of 633 doctors,” he said.
Atellah explained that in 2018, the ministry had cleared arrears for 420 government-sponsored registrars following talks with the union.
However, the process stalled after the training committee last met in 2019, leaving a backlog that trapped many doctors midway through their training. The suspension of sponsorships for those specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery further compounded the problem.
He noted that consistent engagement with the Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health and Professional Standards helped resolve the stalemate, leading to approval of additional sponsorship requests.
“In addition to the 420 already cleared, sponsorship requests for a further 211 doctors have been approved during the 2024/25–2025/26 financial years. This brings the total number of doctors whose postgraduate fees have been settled to 633,” he said, adding that even doctors who had completed training without sponsorship will now have their dues paid.
The ministry formally confirmed the approvals on August 25, 2025, in accordance with the RTWF.
“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,” Atellah affirmed.
He described the development as proof of the union’s persistence and unity. “This achievement is a testament to our unity, solidarity, persistence, and resilience, values that continue to define our union.”
