In a significant step toward enhancing healthcare service delivery and supporting the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) rollout, the Ministry of Health has deployed 6,484 healthcare interns to various facilities across Kenya as part of the 2025/2026 internship programme. The deployment marks a pivotal moment in efforts to build a resilient, ethical, and skilled health workforce essential to delivering quality care nationwide.
The interns will undertake a structured 12-month clinical training programme in accredited health facilities. This practical experience is designed to align with international training standards, ensuring that the cohort is well-equipped with both technical expertise and real-world clinical exposure. The programme will span various cadres including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, whose services are integral to the success of primary healthcare delivery and the broader UHC agenda.
Emphasizing the critical role these young professionals will play in the health sector, the Ministry underscored the need for discipline, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility. Each intern, it was noted, represents a vital link in the delivery of patient-centered care, with a duty to treat every case with compassion and ethical commitment. The health sector requires not only technically competent workers but also individuals who embody integrity and empathy.
The commissioning of the internship cohort reflects the government’s strategic focus on timely human resource deployment and sustainable workforce planning. These are key to reducing gaps in healthcare access and ensuring that underserved regions have access to trained medical personnel. It also demonstrates a deliberate alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes health as a foundation for economic and social advancement.
In line with this vision, the Ministry is also strengthening systems for transparent internship posting and professional development, creating opportunities for continuous learning and career growth within the health sector. These efforts are expected to enhance motivation, job satisfaction, and ultimately the retention of health workers within the public system.
The commissioning event was attended by senior government and union officials who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the interns through mentorship and advocacy. The collaborative approach between the Ministry, professional bodies, and training institutions signals a unified front in the quest to achieve equitable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
This deployment not only serves as a training ground for emerging health professionals but also directly contributes to improving service delivery at the grassroots, where the majority of the population accesses care. As the interns begin their journey, the focus remains on service with excellence, accountability, and a shared mission to transform healthcare in Kenya.
