Health ministry posts record 6,484 interns to hospitals

Health CS Aden Duale, flanked by health union officials led by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah during a press conference in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Thousands of health interns have reported to hospitals across the country in Kenya’s largest internship deployment yet, as the Ministry of Health moves to strengthen the workforce under Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Ministry has deployed 6,484 interns for a year-long supervised clinical training in accredited hospitals.

The cohort includes 1,147 medical officers, 87 dentists, 500 pharmacists, 659 Bachelor of Science clinical officers, 1,993 diploma clinical officers and 2,098 Bachelor of Science nurses.

In a statement dated June 27, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the posting as a significant milestone for the country’s healthcare system and urged eligible pre-interns to collect their posting letters to ease timely deployment.

“This milestone underscores the ministry’s commitment to building the health workforce and ensuring timely deployment of interns,” said Duale.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) hailed the posting as historic, noting it was the first time more than 6,000 healthcare workers had been officially posted for internship at once.

“This is a victory for patients who deserve timely, quality care, and for over 2,000 doctor interns who have trained with dedication,” KMPDU said in a statement, adding the deployment showed their “collective struggle was not in vain.”

The union commended Duale for “keeping his word and honouring the agreements of April 10, 2025,” and praised President William Ruto’s “decisive leadership” in creating the positions.

“Let this be a reminder that when we unite with purpose, no obstacle is insurmountable,” KMPDU added.

Intern doctors are currently receiving Sh206,000 under the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has advised a lower figure of Sh70,000 for new interns, but the Ministry and KMPDU have maintained the existing pay as consultations with stakeholders continue.

Appearing before the Senate Health Committee earlier, Duale acknowledged the ongoing discussions, telling lawmakers the government is consulting with President Ruto, the National Treasury and the Council of Governors (CoG) to ensure sustainable solutions for intern remuneration.

“The bone of contention is Sh206,000. The ones finishing July are earning Sh206,000,” Duale told senators, noting fiscal realities while expressing confidence that consensus will be reached to maintain stability in the sector.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Attellah reaffirmed the union’s position that the 2017 CBA must continue to guide intern pay, even as the interns begin their placements.

“The bone of contention is Sh206,000. The ones finishing July are earning Sh206,000,” Duale told senators, noting fiscal realities while expressing confidence that consensus will be reached to maintain stability in the sector.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Attellah reaffirmed the union’s position that the 2017 CBA must continue to guide intern pay, even as the interns begin their placements.