Medics camped outside the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House, Nairobi, on Monday night after a day of protests, exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and the right to picket. These actions were aimed at pressuring the government to post medical interns in line with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Throughout Monday, health workers picketed outside the Health Ministry headquarters at Upper Hill. As evening approached, they lit candles and flashlights to continue their protest into the night despite light showers in the city. Videos shared on social media depicted the medical officers singing the national anthem while waving Kenyan flags and holding placards. Among the messages displayed were demands for the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
Demonstrating their commitment, some health workers were seen lying in camping sleeping bags outside the premises.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah highlighted the union’s efforts, noting a series of meetings aimed at implementing the return-to-work formula at Kenyatta National Hospital and the Ministry of Health. According to Atellah, the internship posting issue was to be resolved within 60 days as stipulated by the 2017 CBA.
“As we all know, the 60 days end on the 7th of July 2024. So far, we are in agreement with the Ministry of Health that interns must be posted as per CBA 2017 before the lapse of the 60-day negotiation window as per our Return-to-Work Formula,” Atellah stated. “The Ministry of Health is to have an engagement with Treasury before our final meeting set for Thursday, 4th July 2024.”
This protest underscores the health workers’ determination to exercise their constitutional rights and demand the fulfillment of agreed-upon terms in their CBA
Medical workers lie in camping sleeping bags outside the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House, Nairobi on July 8, 2024, in protest of the government’s failure to post medical interns
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