Protesting Intern Doctors' Keep Vigil Outside Afya House, Vows Not To Return Home Until CS Nakhumicha Is Sacked

Hundreds of medical, dental, and pharmacy interns have taken their protest to the doorstep of the Ministry of Health's headquarters in Nairobi.

For these young professionals, the stakes are high: they demand immediate action on their long-delayed appointments or the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

The scene outside Afya House is poignant and charged with emotion as interns, armed with placards that read "Nakhumicha must go," have vowed not to leave until their demands are met.

Their plight stems from a bureaucratic delay that has kept them sidelined for two years, despite having completed their studies. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), interns should be posted within 30 days of graduation.

However, for many, this promise remains unfulfilled, casting a shadow over their careers and futures.

"We've been at home for two years now. Our knowledge is decaying, and we are losing opportunities to advance our lives. The psychological suffering we endure is immense," said one of the intern.

They are prepared to endure discomfort and uncertainty, sleeping on the pavement, to draw attention to what they see as a gross injustice. Their protest is not just about personal grievances but about systemic failures within the Ministry of Health that affect the entire healthcare system.

The interns' frustration is compounded by the Ministry's claims of fiscal constraints preventing mass postings. They argue that if resources can be found for subsequent batches, similar efforts should be made to accommodate them promptly. "We are not asking for special treatment, just what was promised to us," another intern emphasized.

Their protest strategy includes two clear demands: immediate posting with phased payments if necessary, or the resignation of Health CS Nakhumicha. These demands are not taken lightly, as they believe accountability must be upheld to restore trust and fairness in the healthcare system.

Beyond their immediate concerns, the interns see their protest as a call to action for all Kenyans. They remind the public of their past support during the Finance Bill protests and now ask for solidarity in their fight for justice.

"Fellow Kenyans, medical interns do real work. Our labor generates income for the system, and that is why we are saying no to impunity!" exclaimed a protest leader, rallying support from passersby and onlookers.