KMPDU demands withdrawal of medical interns from Kiambu amid ongoing doctors’ strike

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all medical officer interns deployed to Kiambu County, citing unsafe and unsupportive working conditions caused by a prolonged doctors’ strike.

In a formal communication issued by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, the union warned that the ongoing industrial action in Kiambu has significantly disrupted healthcare services and compromised the essential training environment required for medical interns.

"Given the critical role of senior doctors in supervising, mentoring, and supporting interns, deploying interns in an environment where such support is absent puts both the interns and patients at risk," said Dr. Atellah.

The union stressed that the quality of training under the internship programme guidelines cannot be upheld in Kiambu under current conditions.

KMPDU is now urging the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities to urgently repost the affected interns to alternative counties with fully functional health systems and adequate supervision frameworks.

The doctors' strike in Kiambu has been ongoing for weeks, with core grievances including delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and lack of essential medical supplies.

Despite multiple calls for resolution, the impasse remains unresolved, worsening the strain on public health services in the county.

The union’s call adds further pressure on the county government to act swiftly to end the standoff, even as concerns mount over the safety of patients and the future of medical training in the region.