KMPDU lauds smooth Gov't deployment of 2026/2027 medical interns

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has welcomed the government's planned deployment of the 2026/2027 cohort of medical interns, describing it as a major victory born out of years of sustained advocacy and collective action by doctors.

In a statement issued on Friday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the smooth transition of interns into service marks a significant departure from previous years when young doctors were forced to protest over delayed internship postings and unpaid salaries despite existing provisions in 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. The struggles of 2024 tested our resolve, but they also proved the power of unity and collective action," said Dr. Atellah.

His remarks come just hours after the Ministry of Health announced that 6,360 healthcare interns willbe deployed to health facilities across the country from July 1, 2026, following the completion of preparations for the annual internship programme.

The ministry also directed all eligible pre-interns to collect their internship offer letters at Afya House on Monday, June 29, ahead of the official flag-off ceremony.

According to the ministry, the cohort comprises 875 Medical Officer Interns, 69 Dental Officer Interns, 615 Pharmacy Officer Interns, 2,000 Bachelor of Science Nursing Officer Interns, 705 Bachelor of Science Clinical Officer Interns and 2,096 Diploma Clinical Officer Interns.

Dr. Atellah said the assurance that interns will begin work on July 1 and receive their salaries on time demonstrates the gains made through negotiations between the union and the government.

"This is more than an administrative milestone. It is the result of relentless advocacy, collective bargaining, and the unwavering solidarity of doctors who refused to accept injustice as the norm," he said.

He added that the achievement signals the end of what had become a culture of delayed postings and uncertainty for newly qualified doctors entering internship.

"This victory belongs to every doctor who marched, every leader who negotiated, and every member who stood firm in defending the rights and dignity of our profession," Dr. Atellah stated.

The KMPDU boss congratulated the incoming interns, urging them to begin their careers knowing that previous cohorts had fought to secure a smoother transition into service.

"When we stand united, we don't just solve today's problems, we build a better future for generations to come," he said.

The deployment follows months of engagement between the Ministry of Health and healthcare stakeholders after prolonged disputes over internship placements in previous years, with the government expressing confidence that this year's programme will proceed without disruptions.