NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has deployed 6,484 healthcare interns to hospitals and clinics across the country in a move aimed at bolstering the health workforce and supporting the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at Afya House in Nairobi, said the deployment marks a key milestone in the government’s strategy to strengthen human resources for health through timely training and workforce development.
“These young professionals are not just numbers; they are future caregivers. Every patient they encounter represents a life, a story, and a trust placed in their hands. I expect them to serve with discipline, humility, and professionalism,” said Duale.
Health CS Hon. Aden Duale has commissioned the deployment of 6,484 healthcare interns across Kenya, marking the start of the 2025/2026 internship cohort. 👉facebook.com/share/p/1Y28k8…
The 2025/2026 internship cohort comprises 1,147 medical officers, 87 dentists, 500 pharmacists, 659 Bachelor of Science clinical officers, 1,993 diploma clinical officers, and 2,098 Bachelor of Science nursing officers.
The interns will report to accredited public and private health facilities for a structured 12-month clinical programme beginning July 1, 2025.
The deployment comes amid growing calls to address staffing shortages in hospitals, especially in underserved and rural counties.
The interns are expected to ease the burden on health professionals, improve access to care, and enhance the quality of services at the facility level.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni praised the move as a significant investment in the country’s healthcare future.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in the training and deployment of health professionals as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage,” she said in a statement.
The Ministry of Health has today officially flagged off the deployment of 6,484 healthcare interns to various health facilities across the country, marking a major milestone in strengthening Human Resources for Health.The interns, drawn from diverse professional
CS Duale reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration has placed healthcare at the centre of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with a focus on building a health system that is accessible, efficient, and driven by a workforce that is both technically skilled and ethically grounded.
He assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to uphold transparency in the internship posting process and align workforce development with international best practices.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders in the health sector, including Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako, and KUCO CEO George Gibore.
