Medical Interns Stage Overnight Protest at Afya House

In a remarkable display of defiance and determination, frustrated medical professionals set up camp outside Afya House on the night of Monday, July 8, protesting the government's failure to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This unprecedented action directly challenged the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which had called off the protest earlier.

After a day of picketing at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Upper Hill, the determined health workers refused to leave, continuing their demonstration into the night. Despite light showers, they lit up the area with candles and flashlights, their voices united in singing the national anthem and waving Kenyan flags.

Placards bearing messages such as 'Nakhumicha must go!' vividly expressed their growing frustration. Social media platforms buzzed with videos of the peaceful yet resolute protest, showcasing the interns' unwavering stance.

This demonstration comes sixty days after a return-to-work formula was signed between the government and KMPDU. Despite assurances 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 nearly two years for their internships, leading to widespread disillusionment with KMPDU officials.

The protest outside Afya House has highlighted the urgent need for the government to address the grievances of medical interns, who play a crucial role in Kenya's healthcare system. The community and healthcare professionals alike are now closely watching to see how the Ministry of Health will respond to these determined protests.

As the night wore on, the medical professionals' candles and flashlights continued to burn brightly, symbolizing their hope and determination for a resolution that has been long overdue.