The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has set a deadline of December 2026 to conclude the 2025‑2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement for doctors employed by national and county governments.

Formal talks with the Ministry of Health began on Monday, 26 October, and county‑level negotiations are scheduled to start later in the same week.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed the formation of an Inter‑Ministerial CBA Negotiation Committee to engage with KMPDU on the agreement.

The ministry’s invitation, dated 13 October, called for an inaugural meeting on 26‑27 October at the Mombasa Beach Hotel.

KMPDU’s National Advisory Council has authorised a 12‑member team to negotiate with both national and county governments, seeking a single, centralised process.

The union submitted the names of its 12 nominees to the Council of Governors on 17 September, and county‑level talks are expected to commence on 29‑30 October.

Secretary General Davji Atellah said KMPDU will enter negotiations with a united leadership, a clear mandate and a focus on better remuneration, welfare protections and working conditions for doctors at both levels of government.

Atellah noted that the union’s approach this round draws on lessons learned from the 2017‑2021 bargaining cycle, emphasizing vigilance and solidarity.

The centralised platform, involving the Council of Governors and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, is intended to streamline discussions and avoid separate negotiations with each of Kenya’s 47 counties.

KMPDU urged its members to support the negotiating teams as talks begin, stressing that dialogue does not replace the union’s demands for improved terms of service.