Doctors to Receive Delayed Pay rise as Government Begins Implementing SRC Review Cycles and 2017–2024 CBA

 

Doctors across Kenya are finally set to benefit from long-delayed salary increments following the rollout of the 3rd and 4th Remuneration Review Cycles, alongside pending basic pay adjustments under the 2017–2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The update was issued by Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who detailed progress made in resolving pay delays that had affected both county and national government doctors.

"During our consultative meeting held on 19th December 2024, the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Ahmed Abdullahi, confirmed that implementation would begin once funds were secured," the Secretary General announced in a statement to doctors

                                      Counties Begin Implementing Third Review Cycle

County governments had initially failed to effect the 3rd Remuneration Review Cycle at the start of the July 2024 financial year, citing insufficient funding within the Equitable Share allocation from the National Treasury.

However, following the allocation of Ksh2 billion within the Equitable Share to cater for personal emoluments, counties have now begun implementing the pending 3rd Review Cycle covering the 2021/22 to 2024/25 period.

According to Atellah, during a consultative meeting held on December 19, 2024, Council of Governors Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed that implementation would commence once funds were secured.

As a result, doctors employed by county governments will receive backdated payments, since the adjustments were due in the 2024/2025 financial year but had not been effected.

Counties are currently incorporating the revised salary structures into their supplementary budgets to harmonise payrolls with the updated scales issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

                                              Fourth Cycle Still Pending Guidance

KMPDU noted that the SRC has yet to provide formal guidance on implementing the 4th Remuneration Review Cycle covering 2025–2029, as it awaits official direction on the rollout framework.

At the national level, the Ministry of Health has already processed payments under the 3rd Review Cycle and is working toward implementing the 4th Cycle adjustments.

                                              Long-Overdue CBA Adjustments Also in Motion

Beyond the SRC review cycles, doctors will also benefit from delayed salary harmonisation under the 2017–2024 CBA. The prolonged delay in implementing the agreement had previously triggered industrial action by medics.

KMPDU confirmed that the government has now released funds for the CBA adjustments and updated the payroll system to ensure accurate salary computation going forward.

The union further stated that it is collaborating with relevant government agencies to rectify discrepancies identified in earlier salary calculations, ensuring that all doctors receive the correct dues.

                                                   Budgeted for Payment

Arrears for Ministry of Health doctors’ basic salaries and call allowances have been included in a supplementary budget expected to be tabled in Parliament in March. Payment is planned for the 2025/2026 financial year.

Additionally, arrears linked to the 2024/2025 CBA period have also been factored into the supplementary budget and are expected to be settled within the current financial year.

The developments signal a breakthrough after months of negotiations and uncertainty, offering relief to doctors who have long awaited the full implementation of agreed salary structures.