The Ministry of Health witnessed an extraordinary scene on the night of Monday, July 8, as frustrated medical professionals set up camp outside Afya House, defying the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) which had called off the protest.
This action was a direct response to the government's failure to honour the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), specifically regarding the posting of medical interns.
After a day spent picketing at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Upper Hill, the determined health workers continued their protest into the night.
Undeterred by light showers, they illuminated the area with candles and flashlights, their voices ringing out in unity as they sang the national anthem and waved Kenyan flags.
Placards with messages such as 'Nakhumicha must go!' were prominently displayed, capturing the growing frustration.
Social media buzzed with videos of the protest, highlighting the peaceful yet resolute stance of the medical interns.
This demonstration comes sixty days after a return-to-work formula was signed between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Despite promises that the issues facing medical interns would be resolved within two months, hundreds of interns gathered outside the Ministry of Health headquarters, demanding immediate posting.
Many of these interns have been waiting for nearly two years for their internships. Disillusioned with KMPDU officials, they have taken to social media to declare their decision to "fight for themselves."
According to reports by Nation, the Ministry of Health has been in discussions with KMPDU officials since last Tuesday.
"You see, KMPDU built their entire doctors' strike on the issue of medical interns and their pay. They made headway with all other issues except this one because the CS told them to consult the HR department," a high-ranking official told Nation.
The official also mentioned that the CS had a meeting with KMPDU officials on Monday morning. After presenting their report, the officials headed to the Treasury to attempt to resolve the stalemate, although the matter remains in court.
"The government agreed to pay postgraduate school fees for doctors from 2018 by July 1 and assured KMPDU that comprehensive medical cover for Kenyan doctors would be in place by July 1 this year. This has yet to happen, which is why KMPDU officials have been frequenting the ministry," the official added.
By 8am on the day of the protest, KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah had arrived at Afya House for a closed-door meeting with CS Nakhumicha and other Health Ministry officials.
The meeting focused on the promises made during the signing of the return-to-work formula in May.
Just before the intern protesters arrived, Dr Davji departed from the Health Ministry headquarters, followed ten minutes later by CS Nakhumicha. She announced that the discussions would move to the National Treasury, as the stalemate over payment and posting of interns intensified.
This protest follows a dramatic night meeting on May 8, where intense negotiations between the government and KMPDU ended in a significant disagreement over the posting and pay of intern doctors.
The talks, which continued until 4am, aimed to meet Labour Relations Court Judge Byram Ongaya's order to develop a return-to-work formula by May 9.
The court had warned both parties that failure to reach an agreement would compel the court to hear petitions and make a determination.
The negotiations at Afya House two months ago, chaired by CS Nakhumicha, involved health ministry officials, state house representatives, and KMPDU.
