Medics in Nairobi protest over Ministry of Health’s refusal to post interns
A section of medics in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, took to the streets to protest the Ministry of Health’s refusal to post medical interns.
The relentless medics turned up in numbers with banners listing their demands which includes the payment of interns as per the 2017 CBA.
Speaking during the demos Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah encouraged the interns to relentlessly fight for their rights without fail.
“Last year’s interns were able to demonstrate and reject any useless letters, you must do it ten times more, last year we striked for 56 days, this year we will do more. We will not get a solution today but we will still continue until we get a solution,” he said.
Last month, the medics issued an ultimatum on their demands and threatened to hit the streets should the Ministry of Health fail to address their concerns.
At the heart of their demands to MoH, the medics want interns posted with their salaries aligning with the 2017 CBA.
They had accused MoH of attempting to rescind earlier negotiations by imposing a cut from Ksh206,000 to Ksh70,000.
“Barely two months after signing an agreement securing full intern postings and salaries as per the 2017 CBA, the Ministry of Health is now attempting to reverse these gains by imposing an outrageous salary cut from Ksh206,000 to Ksh70,000,” Atellah stated.
“We, therefore, issue an ultimatum to the Ministry: By 18th March 2025, all interns must be posted and paid in full as per the existing CBA, Failure to comply will result in nationwide strikes, protests, and the withdrawal of medical services.”
Atellah further maintained the union’s determination to seek better pay reiterating that they will not relent.
“It does not matter how many times we must resist injustice, take to the streets, or go on strike-we will always be ready to fight for what is right. As individuals, we may experience fatigue, but as a united medical fraternity, we will never fire, and we will never surrender. This government must be stopped from its endless cycles of betrayal,” the statement read.
“The choice is now theirs: Honour the agreement or face the full force of a determined and unwavering union. Our rights are not up for negotiation.”
