Medical Students Protest Delays in Internship Placements

Hundreds of recent medical graduates took to the streets of Nairobi today, protesting outside the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House over continued delays in their internship placements. The demonstrators — clad in white coats and lab caps — were led by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who are pushing the government to fulfill its obligation under the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to post interns promptly after graduation.
At the heart of the dispute is the government’s decision to offer a steeply discounted salary of just KSh 70,000, compared to the KSh 206,000 that was previously negotiated under the CBA. According to KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, the delay in postings combined with low pay is outrageous and demoralising, especially for young doctors who recently completed rigorous training.
This is not the first time interns have marched over the issue. In February 2024, medical graduates from the University of Nairobi also demonstrated at Afya House, demanding that the Ministry of Health honor the national internship‑posting guidelines, which stipulate that posting should happen within 30 days after clearance.At that time, union and ministry leaders agreed to schedule further talks to break the deadlock, but many students say progress has been too slow.
The protesters are also calling for a broader overhaul of the internship system. They demand not only fair pay but also timely placement, adequate supervision, and respect for their professional rights. With tensions mounting, KMPDU warns that unless the government addresses their concerns, there may be further industrial action that could disrupt healthcare services and stall the careers of thousands of young practitioners.