Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare workers during his address at the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Annual Delegates Conference held at PrideInn Hotel, Mombasa.
In what marked his first direct engagement with the doctors’ union since his appointment, CS Duale underscored the government’s resolve to strengthen dialogue and partnership with medical professionals, calling their contributions “the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage.”
“I am the first serving Cabinet Secretary to attend this event in the history of KMPDU. This is not a coincidence; it is a deliberate signal of my commitment,” said Duale.
He highlighted several key achievements, including the payment of KES 1.75 billion as the first installment of basic salary arrears, in line with the 2024 Return to Work Formula. He also revealed that the Ministry, in partnership with county governments, is sponsoring 93 doctors for postgraduate training, at a cost of over KES 142 million.
“Our goal is to build a fit-for-purpose and adequately skilled health workforce,” he said, adding that payments for 54 of the sponsored doctors have already been disbursed, with the remainder underway.
Duale also addressed the internship crisis, criticizing the oversupply of graduates from unregulated institutions and pledging reforms. “We must uphold training standards and protect the profession,” he stated, announcing plans for a multi-stakeholder forum to address the issue.
He further acknowledged challenges healthcare workers face with the Social Health Authority, promising decisive action to ensure those who deliver care can also access it.
The CS confirmed that over 1,000 medical officer interns, 83 dental interns, and 503 pharmacist interns will begin their rotations in July 2025, affirming the government’s commitment to fair and strategic deployment.
In his closing remarks, Duale called for continued engagement and unity: “The Government is investing in its people, you are that investment.”
The conference brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including KMPDU leaders, county officials, and representatives from regulatory bodies.
