NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued an update on the pending medical interns’ payments.
In a statement posted on its X account, MOH said that it remains committed to addressing the concerns of medical interns.
“Payments for the cohort of 1,247 interns currently in training centres are being made as per the 2017 CBA,” the statement reads in part.
According to MOH, negotiations are ongoing to resolve the conflict between the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC’s) advisory to MOH and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed between the Ministry of Health and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDU), which provides for a stipend of Sh 206,000 per month based on Job Group L.
MOH was reacting to a statement from KMPDU, which accused Afya House of attempting to stash salaries meant for intern doctors.
In a statement seen by Y News, KMPDU claimed that Afya House had become a hub of deceitful and retrogressive malpractice.
“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 three gains by imposing an outrageous salary cut from Sh 206,000 to Sh 70,000,” the statement reads in part.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬’ 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 The Ministry of Health remains committed to addressing the concerns of medical interns. Payments for the cohort of 1,247 interns currently in training centers are being made as per the 2017 CBA. Negotiations are…
KMPDU Secretary General and CEO Dr. Davji Atellah said that the latest statement by the Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa is not only malicious but also backwards and shameful.
“We therefore issue an ultimatum to the Ministry: By March 18, 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 medicine services,” said Atellah.
According to Dr. Atellah, it won’t matter how many times the doctors resist injustice, take to the streets, or go on strike, as they are ready to fight for their rights.
“As individuals, we may experience fatigue, but as a united medical fraternity, we will never tire, and we will never surrender. This government must be stopped from its endless cycles of betrayal,’ Atellah added.
