Kenya's doctors union, KMPDU, blasted the Salaries Commission for giving in to lawmakers who demanded fatter paychecks starting this April. The union leader, Dr. Davji Atellah, called this move a complete betrayal because health budgets face big cuts that endanger regular Kenyans. He wrote on social media that the government made its priorities crystal clear by handing billions more to politicians right when they reduce healthcare spending the most.
The Health Ministry warned in February about a massive 68 billion shilling hole in next year's budget. This huge gap will affect the purchase of essential medical items like HIV medications, vaccines, and blood supplies. Officials said they need 30 billion to run basic public healthcare, plus another 15 billion for critical medical supplies. They also requested 3 billion to maintain blood services because outside funding has almost disappeared.
A top health official named Harry Kimtai explained to lawmakers how these constant budget cuts wreck their ability to meet health targets. The union chief described how hospitals run empty on basic supplies as doctors and nurses handle impossible workloads for tiny paychecks. He questioned how medical staff could provide decent care with delayed salaries, understaffed facilities, broken promises, and awful working conditions.
Atellah emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental right for all citizens, not an optional luxury. The union demands complete funding for medical services and respect for employee agreements that protect healthcare workers. Starting April Fool's Day 2025, each member of parliament will receive an additional 366,011 shillings every month as a fixed travel allowance in addition to what they already claim for trips back to their home districts.
The Health Ministry warned in February about a massive 68 billion shilling hole in next year's budget. This huge gap will affect the purchase of essential medical items like HIV medications, vaccines, and blood supplies. Officials said they need 30 billion to run basic public healthcare, plus another 15 billion for critical medical supplies. They also requested 3 billion to maintain blood services because outside funding has almost disappeared.
A top health official named Harry Kimtai explained to lawmakers how these constant budget cuts wreck their ability to meet health targets. The union chief described how hospitals run empty on basic supplies as doctors and nurses handle impossible workloads for tiny paychecks. He questioned how medical staff could provide decent care with delayed salaries, understaffed facilities, broken promises, and awful working conditions.
Atellah emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental right for all citizens, not an optional luxury. The union demands complete funding for medical services and respect for employee agreements that protect healthcare workers. Starting April Fool's Day 2025, each member of parliament will receive an additional 366,011 shillings every month as a fixed travel allowance in addition to what they already claim for trips back to their home districts.
