A major relief has come for 633 doctors as the Ministry of Health has approved payments for their postgraduate fees covering the years 2018 to 2024, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has revealed.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah on Tuesday described the development as a “significant milestone” 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 stated.
Atellah explained that the ministry had cleared arrears for 420 government-sponsored registrars in 2018 after negotiations with the union.
However, the process stalled after the training committee last convened in 2019, leaving many doctors stuck mid-training.
The suspension of sponsorships for specialisations in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery further worsened the backlog.
Persistent follow-ups with the Ministry of Health’s Department of Public Health and Professional Standards eventually led to a breakthrough, unlocking payments for additional doctors.
“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,” Atellah said.
He noted that even those who completed training without receiving fees will now have their dues cleared.
The approvals were formally communicated by the ministry on August 25, 2025, in line with the union’s agreement under 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 emphasised.
He added that the milestone reflects the union’s commitment, resilience, and collective effort. “This achievement is a testament to our unity, solidarity, persistence, and resilience, values that continue to define our union.”
