KMPDU Applauds Ruto Govt for Posting Over 6,000 Healthcare Interns: "Sincere Appreciation"
- Over 6,000 healthcare interns were officially posted across Kenya, marking a historic shift in the country's medical sector
- The doctors' union credited the breakthrough to months of pressure and protests aimed at securing fair treatment for interns
- KMPDU praised key government leaders but insisted the journey toward a stronger, more equitable health system is far from over
- An internship offer letter seen by TUKO.co.ke disclosed the amount the interns will be paid per month
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
For the first time in Kenya's history, more than 6,000 healthcare workers have been officially deployed for internship.
Source: UGC
The announcement was made by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU), which applauded President William Ruto’s administration for what it termed a landmark achievement.
The posting included over 2,000 newly qualified doctors, all placed in public health facilities across the country.
According to the union, the milestone follows months of persistent advocacy and public demonstrations aimed at pressuring the government to honour the April 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which guaranteed timely internship placements and fair remuneration.
One of the internship offer letters seen by TUKO.co.ke confirmed that the placement will run for a period of 12 months, beginning July 1.
The letter, signed by Public Health Principal Secretary Bikambo Lenah, indicated that the selected medical officer interns will receive a monthly salary of KSh 206,000.
“I am pleased to inform you that you have been offered an internship placement position as a medical officer intern for a period of twelve months with effect from July 1,” the letter read.
Davji Atellah celebrates posting of interns
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah described the development as a shared win for the entire country.
“Today is a landmark day that will be remembered for generations. For the first time ever, more than 6,000 healthcare workers have been officially posted for internship, marking a tremendous leap forward for public healthcare in Kenya,” he said.
He added that the move not only benefits patients who have long waited for quality care, but also rewards the dedication of the over 2,000 doctor interns whose futures had remained uncertain for months.
“This is a victory for all of us—for patients who deserve timely, quality care, for over 2,000 doctor interns who have trained with dedication, and for KMPDU, as we have stood firm in the fight for fairness and dignity.”
Why did government post 6,000 medical interns?
The posting comes after a sustained campaign led by KMPDU, which organised nationwide protests demanding the government honour its commitments under the CBA.
The union believes this victory would not have been possible without their collective action.
“We have raised our voices, marched in the streets, and stood in solidarity to demand the posting of interns and fair remuneration as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Today’s achievement shows that our collective struggle was not in vain,” said Atellah.
The union has long argued that delayed postings and inconsistent pay were undermining healthcare delivery, demoralising young professionals and weakening the foundation of Kenya’s health system.
KMPDU took time to recognise key figures within the government who helped unlock the impasse.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was singled out for praise.
“We take this moment to commend Duale, a leader who has kept his word and honoured the agreements of April 10. His commitment to improving Kenyan healthcare has set an example for others to follow. His forthright attitude towards a motivated workforce will ensure industrial harmony in the sector, hence the much-needed UHC,” said Atellah.
Equally, the union extended its gratitude to Ruto, crediting him with playing a decisive role.
“Our sincere appreciation also goes to his excellency the president, whose decisive leadership in creating these positions has made this milestone possible.”
As KMPDU celebrates this win, it believes that unity and purpose remain essential if long-term reforms are to succeed.
“Let this be a reminder that when we unite with purpose, no obstacle is insurmountable. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more equitable healthcare system for every Kenyan,” said Atellah.
Source: UGC
How did medical interns secure KSh 206k pay?
In a related story previously covered by TUKO.co.ke, medical interns took a moment to appreciate Atellah during the union’s Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held in Mombasa.
The interns credited him for his unwavering leadership during the 56-day doctors’ strike, where he insisted on the implementation of a KSh 206,000 monthly stipend as outlined in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
At the time, the government had maintained a lower offer of KSh 70,000.
During the conference, interns presented Atellah with a symbolic gift, thanking him for standing firm even when morale was low.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
