Over 300 nursing interns have launched a protest outside Afya House after the Ministry of Health abruptly cancelled their internship placements. The interns, who were already posted to hospitals across the country, now find themselves stranded, jobless, and unable to proceed with their professional licensing.
The interns are demanding immediate reinstatement, saying the cancellation is unjust and disruptive to their careers. Speaking on behalf of the group, one intern vowed to hold continuous demonstrations and even camp overnight outside the Ministry headquarters until the Cabinet Secretary responds to their grievances.
They argue that they had completed all academic and clinical requirements necessary for internship and had been vetted by the Nursing Council of Kenya. The Ministry, however, revoked the placements citing that the interns had not officially graduated. The affected interns dispute this rationale, stating that graduation is a ceremonial event and should not be used as a basis for disqualification.
The cancellation has caused widespread frustration among the interns, many of whom had already reported to their assigned hospitals, paid rent, and started work. The move is seen as not only financially burdensome but also demoralizing for those eager to join the healthcare system.
They further criticize the Ministry for what they term inconsistent policy application. According to them, the original circular that communicated the internship placements emphasized the need for an original letter of completion, which they all provided. Changing the rules after deployment, they argue, is not only unfair but also sets a bad precedent.
One of the key concerns raised by the interns is that, without internship, they cannot be licensed to practice, effectively freezing their entry into the workforce. This has heightened tensions, with interns planning to pursue legal action alongside street demonstrations.
Some also allege that their placements were cancelled to pave way for other interns who may have gained entry through irregular or corrupt means. The Ministry has since replaced the 306 interns with 348 others, further fueling suspicions of favoritism or manipulation.
The universities most affected include Baraton, Kirinyaga, and Pwani, with dozens of interns from each institution facing sudden displacement.
The protesting interns have vowed not to relent until the Ministry reverses its decision and allows them to complete their internships as earlier communicated.
