The Ministry of Health has announced the payment of monthly stipends and accrued arrears to all intern medical officers across the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Saturday, November 30, announced the disbursement of Ksh965 million to pay all intern health workers who work as nurses, clinical officers, medical officers, and pharmacists.
Out of the Ksh965 million, Ksh528 million was used to pay salary arrears for intern nurses and clinical officers, while Ksh110 million was used to pay November salaries for the two categories of health workers.
Barasa announced a further payment of Ksh326 million to cater for the salary arrears for intern medical officers, intern dental officers, and intern pharmacists.
According to the health minister, the move marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals at the foundation of their careers while strengthening Kenya's healthcare system.
She also stated that the 100 per cent payment ensured that all posted interns in the specified cadres received their dues without delay, demonstrating the ministry's dedication to addressing the welfare of healthcare workers.
“Internship programs are a critical component of Kenya's healthcare system, providing hands-on experience to bridge the gap between theory and practice,” CS Barasa stated.
“By ensuring timely remuneration, the Ministry affirms its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for professional growth, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered to Kenyans,” she added.
While announcing the disbursement, CS Barasa commended the medical interns for their resilience and dedication to service delivery in healthcare facilities across the country. "Their contribution remains pivotal in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and advancing Kenya's health agenda," the CS said.
The CS also promised to hold a meeting with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists,, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to ensure the finalisation of the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
The latest move comes a day after KMPDU officials threatened to stage another strike following unfulfilled promises by the government. In a notice issued by the union's Secretary General Davji Atellah, KMPDU, the health workers pledged to down tools in the next 14 days.
"We are going to use a notice for the nationwide strike of doctors, we have a Special Delegates Conference, which will determine whether we are protesting for 7, 14 days or even 21 days," Atellah said.
