By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
In a significant policy shift, the government has expedited the payment of salary arrears owed to doctors employed by county governments.
This decision comes in response to a directive from President William Ruto, aimed at addressing the financial grievances of medical personnel who have been instrumental in safeguarding the nation’s health.
State House Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, announced that the settlement of Ksh.3.5 billion in basic salary arrears, initially planned to be disbursed over five years, will now be completed within two years.
This change follows the President’s recognition of the essential role played by doctors in the healthcare system and the urgent need to resolve their compensation issues.
The agreement, originally reached on May 8th during the signing of the return-to-work formula that ended a prolonged doctors’ strike, outlined that the arrears would be settled over five years starting from July 1, 2024.
However, in a letter dated May 29th, Koskei informed the Ministries of Health and Treasury of the President’s directive to accelerate this timeline.
“The President has considered the proposal as codified in the Return to Work Formula and, in recognition of the unique role of medical personnel as vanguards of the nation’s health system, directed that the settlement of the basic salary arrears accrued by doctors employed by county governments be concluded within two years, with effect from 1st July, 2024,” Koskei stated.
To facilitate this expedited payment schedule, the National Treasury will disburse Ksh.1.75 billion annually to county governments, starting in July this year. These funds are earmarked as conditional grants specifically for settling the salary arrears that have accumulated due to the implementation of the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Koskei emphasized the President’s commitment to ensuring that medical personnel are properly compensated for their critical contributions to the country’s healthcare system.
The directive underscores the government’s acknowledgment of the essential services provided by doctors and its intent to improve their working conditions promptly.This move is expected to provide significant relief to the doctors who have been awaiting their dues and enhance the overall morale within the healthcare sector.
The swift implementation of this directive will be closely monitored, with the Ministries of Health and Treasury tasked with ensuring that the funds are allocated and utilized as intended.
The decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to support healthcare professionals and strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the administration’s dedication to addressing the pressing needs of its medical workforce.