Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for urgent reforms to address doctors' pay, working conditions and stalled health sector agreements. Speaking on Saturday, May 10, during the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) 9th Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa, Duale pledged swift action to honour promises made after last year's crippling 56-day doctors' strike. "We must care for our carers," Duale said, promising to fast-track implementation of pending reforms. He said his ministry is actively working with the Social Health Authority, the Digital Health Agency and the Council of Governors to deliver meaningful change, not just rhetoric. The conference, held under the theme "Caring for the Caregivers: Prioritising Doctors' Rights and Well-being for a Healthier Nation," is part of the Ministry's deliberate and strategic engagement to strengthen the country's healthcare workforce. It brought together doctors, pharmacists and dentists to discuss strategies for improving their welfare, evaluate progress on the Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF), debate the future of healthcare delivery and renew their commitment to unity and advocacy. .Keep ReadingKMPDU warns of health services shutdown in DecemberKMPDU convenes to address doctor welfare grievancesMinistry of Health disburses Sh965.9 million to internsYoung doctors die as once-coveted career turns sour Duale revealed plans to push a new proposal to the Council of Governors, ensuring healthcare worker contributions are deducted at source to secure sustainable funding and improve service delivery. KMPDU Secretary-General Dr.
Davji Atellah praised Duale's tone, saying, "When someone shows intention to implement, we give them space to act.
We know how to demand on the streets, but we also know when someone is genuinely engaging." Atellah urged governors to ensure the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 2025-2029 raises Kenyan doctors' salaries to match regional peers, such as South Africa and Botswana, warning that anything less would drive away talent.
Other delegates who attended the meeting included Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Principal Secretaries Ouma Oluga(Medical Services), and Mary Muthoni (Public Health).
