The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has hailed the Ministry of Health's posting of the 2026/2027 medical internship cohort, describing the move as the culmination of sustained advocacy and collective bargaining following the 2024 doctors' strike.
In a statement, KMPDU Secretary-General Dr Davji Atellah said the commencement of the internship programme on July 1 marks a new chapter for young doctors, who in previous years were forced to protest over delayed internship postings and salaries guaranteed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
"There was a time when young doctors had to take to the streets simply to demand internship postings and fight for salaries already guaranteed under our CBA," said Atellah.
"The struggles of 2024 tested our resolve, but they also proved the power of unity and collective action. Today, we are proud to say that those sacrifices have borne fruit."
He said that the incoming cohort would transition into service seamlessly and receive their salaries on time.
The remarks came after the Ministry announced the posting of 6,360 healthcare interns to various health facilities nationwide for the 2026/2027 internship programme.
In a statement issued on June 26, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said preparations for the deployment had been finalised, with the 12-month internship programme set to commence on July 1.
"The Ministry is pleased to announce that a total of 6,360 interns will be posted across various healthcare facilities in the country, to commence their 12-month Internship Programme effective 1st July 2026," the statement read.
The Ministry said the internship programme is intended to equip pre-interns with practical experience before joining the workforce.
"In line with the Ministry's mandate to ensure the availability of a skilled and competent health workforce, this internship programme is a critical step in equipping pre-interns with the hands-on experience necessary to deliver quality and responsive healthcare services to the people of Kenya," the ministry said.
The Ministry said eligible pre-interns will collect their internship offer letters in person at Afya House, Nairobi, on Monday, June 29, from 9 a.m., upon presentation of a valid national identity card.
The cohort comprises 875 Medical Officer interns, 69 Dental Officer interns, 615 Pharmacy Officer interns, 2,000 BSc Nursing Officer interns, 705 BSc Clinical Officer interns and 2,096 Diploma Clinical Officer interns.
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