Kenya’s healthcare system is facing a fresh crisis when hundreds of medical, dental, and pharmacy interns marched on the Ministry of Health offices on Monday, demanding urgent posting and the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
The protest, which started as an online movement with the hashtag #OccupyMOH, swiftly turned into a large-scale rally at Afya House.
The young medical professionals, dressed in blue scrubs and white lab coats, held signs and chanted “Nakhumicha Must Go,” expressing their dissatisfaction with the ministry’s inability to fulfill the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
BlasioBukens, an intern in medicine awaiting placement, stated, “After enduring more than six years of rigorous medical training, sacrificing our lives to acquire life-saving skills, the Ministry of Health is now putting our future at risk.”
According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), medical interns are supposed to be assigned within 30 days after finishing their studies. Nevertheless, numerous demonstrators allege waiting times of up to two years, causing significant psychological and financial strain.
“Our skills are deteriorating, and we’re missing chances to progress in our careers,” another intern remarked, emphasizing, “The psychological toll we endure is immense. Without a license, we are unable to practice medicine.”
This protest follows the ministry’s announcement of partial intern postings, which demonstrators have rejected, claiming that thousands more remain unemployed. According to reports, many have become suicidal and taken professions unrelated to their medical degree, such as domestic work.
The interns have presented a dual ultimatum to the Ministry of Health: either promptly assign all interns, with payments made gradually as resources permit, or the resignation of the Health Cabinet Secretary.
They dismissed the Ministry’s assertion of constrained fiscal resources requiring staggered postings.
“The Ministry should prioritize finding a method to assign all interns simultaneously, as they manage to allocate resources for subsequent batches,” stated one intern.
In an unexpected development, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) initially canceled their intention to occupy Afya House, citing ongoing negotiations.
However, KMPDU Secretary General DavjiAtellah later alleged their social media account had been compromised and affirmed that the protest would continue as scheduled.
The protesters also voiced dissatisfaction with KMPDU, accusing the union of inadequately advocating for their concerns.
“One intern issued a direct warning to KMPDU, expressing escalating frustration with established institutions.
This demonstration symbolizes a broader pattern of Gen Z activism in Kenya, where young individuals are increasingly demanding accountability from leaders for their commitments and decisions.
The #OccupyMOH movement signifies a shift toward digital activism manifesting in tangible, real-world initiatives.”
The interns called upon fellow Kenyans to show solidarity, emphasizing their significant contributions through their labor within the healthcare system.
“Fellow Kenyans, medical interns contribute real work and generate income for the system. We stood alongside you during the Finance Bill Protests, and now we ask for your support,” they stated.
This latest issue comes after the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) put off a statewide strike after more than three months. KUCO Secretary General George Gibore announced the signing of a return-to-work formula with the Council of Governors, bringing an end to the strike that began on April 1.
Among other issues, the clinical officers sought confirmation letters on permanent and pensionable terms for UHC professionals hired during the COVID-19 era.
The administration had claimed that it lacked the resources to carry out some of their demands, such as hiring more healthcare staff and offering promotions.
As of press time, the Ministry of Health has not responded to the interns’ demands or claims of mismanagement.
“We are determined to persist until our demands are fulfilled,” asserted one protester, highlighting the interns’ determination.
As events continue to unfold, attention remains focused on the Ministry of Health’s reaction to this unprecedented display of dissent from Kenya’s upcoming medical professionals.
