In a significant turn of events, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced the Ministry of Health will commence the placement of medical interns on April 1, 2024, following a high-stakes meeting with representatives from the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU).
This decision comes after a prolonged back and forth between the doctors’ union and the health ministry. The ongoing strike by healthcare workers has been going on for five days now.
Secretary Nakhumicha sounded hopeful as she revealed that they had finally come to an agreement with KMPDU, with the support of the National Treasury.
“I’m really happy to share this news… We’ve talked with the union and got approval from the Treasury. Starting April 1, interns will begin their placements,” Nakhumicha announced at a press briefing.
She also addressed concerns about the ministry not following the doctors’ 2017 agreement. Nakhumicha promised that they are still in talks and will settle all the money owed as directed by the court.
“As for the expired agreement, we’re still discussing it. This week, we’ll have a meeting,” she assured.
But KMPDU leaders don’t seem convinced about the progress. They insist that the strike will continue.
After the meeting, KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah criticized the ministry for making promises they hadn’t kept in the past.
“We’ve been waiting for intern placements since February, then March, and now April. But nothing has happened,” Atellah expressed.
KMPDU national chair Abidan Mwachi echoed these sentiments, saying, “Our strike isn’t over, and we’re ready to keep fighting
Meza Mwanza 
KTMN Reporter