ELDORET, Kenya – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to universities over what he described as “irregular and unfair” medical internship placements, signalling an impending overhaul in how graduates are absorbed into the healthcare system.
Speaking in Eldoret on Friday, Duale said several universities are under investigation for allegedly manipulating internship allocations to favour their most recent graduates, while sidelining others who have waited years for placement.
“We will deal with them! We will deny them their students’ license, even internships,” he declared.
The CS revealed that at least eight institutions are under scrutiny and would soon receive formal letters from the Ministry of Health warning them of possible sanctions if they fail to correct the alleged malpractice.
“The story of someone finishing yesterday and getting an internship while someone who graduated two years ago is still waiting—that story will end,” he said.
Duale said the Ministry will now adopt a merit-based and structured approach to internship placements that prioritizes graduates based on how long they have been waiting.
The move is aimed at eliminating perceived bias and restoring fairness in the process.
The Ministry is also tightening eligibility rules. Only students who have officially graduated and received their academic certificates will be eligible for internship postings.
“If you have a completion letter, we will not post you as an intern. We’ll only post you when you graduate and present your certificate,” he said.
The announcement comes amid mounting frustration from hundreds of medical graduates across the country, many of whom have remained in limbo—some for years—due to limited internship opportunities and what they say is a non-transparent selection system.
Duale acknowledged the pressure and concerns raised by the graduates, assuring them of the government’s commitment to a just and lawful process.
“As long as I am the Minister for Health, we will run this country in a fair, just, and lawful manner,” he stated.
