Kenyan medical interns have taken to the streets, protesting at Afya House in Nairobi to demand resolution of long-standing issues, including delays in internship postings, unpaid salaries, and inadequate medical insurance. These demonstrations highlight persistent challenges in Kenya’s healthcare sector and the interns’ frustrations over years of unfulfilled promises from both the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
For over two years, many interns have awaited postings required to complete their training and obtain medical licenses. Without these postings, their careers remain stalled. Those who have already been deployed report months of unpaid allowances, forcing some to live in hospital premises due to financial difficulties. The interns emphasized the emotional and financial toll of these delays, with many struggling to meet basic needs.
The protesters criticized the Ministry of Health and KMPDU for failing to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which guaranteed timely postings, prompt salaries, and comprehensive medical insurance. Although the government previously issued a 60-day deadline to resolve these issues, no significant action has been taken.
Government officials have attributed the delays to budgetary constraints and ongoing legal disputes over salary structures. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha reassured interns that efforts are underway to address their concerns, but many remain skeptical. They are calling on President William Ruto to step in and ensure their grievances are resolved immediately, including adherence to the CBA provisions.
The interns also accused KMPDU of neglecting their plight, alleging that the union prioritized maintaining its relationship with the government over the welfare of its members. They argued that the union failed to effectively advocate for their rights, leaving them to face the crisis alone.
This situation underscores the critical role of interns in Kenya’s healthcare system, where they handle a significant share of hospital responsibilities. Their absence due to these unresolved issues risks further straining an already overwhelmed public health sector.
The interns have vowed to sustain their protests until their demands are met, highlighting the urgency for systemic reform to address Kenya’s healthcare challenges and restore trust in the institutions responsible for their welfare.
By Moreen Kajuju
Rongo University
