After prolonged discussions with doctors, Garissa County has committed to confirming 19 medical practitioners on Permanent and Pensionable terms once their current two-year contracts end next year.
The move was agreed upon in a meeting between Governor Nathif Jama and officials from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, marking a significant step toward resolving long-standing concerns affecting county doctors.
The talks also addressed career progression challenges for staff who have remained in lower job grades for extended periods.
In a clear commitment, the county pledged to reclassify 20 doctors from Job Group M to Job Group Q, with the new letters scheduled for release by December 17, 2025. This change comes as part of a broader plan to motivate staff and ensure that qualified professionals are properly recognized within the county’s health system.
In addition to promotions, the county confirmed that 19 doctors will be released to pursue postgraduate studies, and six will begin fellowship programs.
Recruitment efforts are also underway, with eight additional doctors expected to join the county health workforce before the end of the financial year. KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah stated that these steps demonstrate the county’s dedication to improving staffing levels and overall healthcare delivery.
Dr. Atellah emphasized that the meeting resulted in a “progressive and actionable work plan” to tackle issues that have hindered doctors’ career growth and service delivery in Garissa. He said the union will send a team later this month to Garissa to monitor the implementation of the agreements, ensuring that all commitments are followed through.
The discussion also covered union dues, with the county Finance Department instructed to coordinate with KMPDU’s accounts office to guarantee timely remittance of all deducted contributions.
Dr. Atellah highlighted that Garissa County is already advancing recruitment plans and that the additional hires will strengthen the health system, reduce staff shortages, and improve patient care across the region.
Overall, the agreements signal a new phase of cooperation between the county administration and the union, showing a willingness to address long-standing gaps and create a more supportive work environment for medical personnel.
The union described the progress as a positive shift, reflecting commitment from county leadership to resolve issues that have persisted for years.
