Over 6,000 Medical Interns Posted Nationwide: CS Duale Confirms Amid Cheers and Controversy
Nairobi, Kenya — A major breakthrough in Kenya’s healthcare sector has finally arrived.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially announced the posting of 6,484 medical interns under the 2025/2026 Internship Cohort, stirring hope and relief across the country.
“The Ministry of Health, in fulfilment of its commitment to ensure the timely deployment of interns by 1st July 2025, is pleased to announce the official posting of 6,484 healthcare interns,”
read part of the Ministry’s Friday, June 27 statement.
Thousands Get Placement in Various Medical Fields
The newly posted interns span multiple critical fields.
“1,147 are medical officer interns,”
the statement detailed.
Additionally,
“87 will serve in dentistry, 500 in pharmacy, 659 as BSc clinical officers, and 1,193 as diploma clinical officers.”
The largest share — 2,098 interns — are degree-level nursing officers.
Collection of Letters Begins June 30
Pre-interns have been directed to collect posting letters in person.
“Please note that posting letters will only be issued upon presentation of a valid National Identity Card,”
the Ministry cautioned.
They must report to Afya House in Nairobi on Monday, June 30, from 9:00am.
“Timely collection will facilitate smooth reporting and preparation at the designated facilities,”
the Ministry emphasized.
Salaries Still a Thorny Issue
Despite the positive news, salary disagreements persist.
The interns will receive a gross income of Ksh160,000, well below the Ksh206,000 agreed upon in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the government and KMPDU.
“We’ve been clear. Interns should be paid according to the 2017 CBA,”
KMPDU officials previously asserted.
Meanwhile, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has proposed as low as Ksh47,000, citing budget limitations and the need for wage harmonization.
Crisis Averted After Strikes, Protests
The posting follows months of nationwide protests, a doctors’ strike, and growing discontent in the healthcare sector.
“The delay had almost paralysed hospitals. This posting is long overdue,”
said a medical trainee who participated in the recent demonstrations.
A Mixed Bag of Relief and Frustration
While the posting has been widely celebrated, the salary issue remains unresolved.
“We appreciate the government’s effort to post us. But the pay is still disrespectful,”
a pharmacy intern lamented.
Now, all eyes remain on the Ministry and SRC to finalize discussions on fair compensation.
Over 6,000 Medical Interns Posted Nationwide: CS Duale Confirms Amid Cheers and Controversy
