The Ministry of Health has directed the transfer of nearly 700 medical interns from Kiambu County as the doctors’ strike in the region enters its fourth month. In a notice issued on September 28, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) confirmed that redeployment letters had been prepared, effective September 29.
“All interns currently in Kiambu County are therefore required to collect the redeployment letters from the MoH effective tomorrow, September 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.,” KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah stated. “Failure to collect the redeployment letter and move will be deemed abscondment of your internship duty by the MoH.”
The directive follows an earlier warning from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who had cautioned on August 26 that the ministry would withdraw interns if the county’s labor dispute remained unresolved by mid-September.
Why are interns being redeployed?
According to the ministry’s communication, 697 interns were initially deployed to Kiambu in July. They included 138 medical officers, 48 pharmacists, five dentists, 297 nurses, 134 diploma-level clinical officers, and 75 degree-level clinical officers. None have been able to start their mandatory 12-month training due to the strike.
Duale said the prolonged delay created disparities as interns in other counties had already begun their programs. “This measure is necessary to safeguard the interns’ training, ensure timely progression of their programme, and maintain alignment with their peers nationally,” he explained.
KMPDU defended the redeployment, insisting it was the only way to protect the professional growth of interns. “As the strike in Kiambu is now in its fourth month with no end in sight, there is an urgent need to protect the sanctity of the internship and it should not be affected by prolonged county strikes,” the union said.
What is the status of healthcare in Kiambu?
Healthcare in Kiambu County has been crippled since May, with public hospitals operating at minimal capacity. Thousands of residents have been left without critical care, forcing many to turn to costly private facilities.
Doctors accuse the county administration under Governor Kimani Wamatangi of failing to pay salaries, ignoring poor working conditions, and neglecting to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement signed with KMPDU. Despite growing frustration from residents, doctors have remained firm, vowing not to return to work until their demands are addressed.
By Risper Akinyi
