Medical Interns Stage Protest Demanding Implementation of 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement
By Odilia Jepkirui
Last night, a group of medical interns gathered outside the Ministry of Health office at Afya House, Nairobi, in a passionate protest demanding the implementation of their 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The interns, predominantly from the Gen Z age bracket, illuminated the night with candles and flashlights as they persisted in their demonstration.
The protest, which continued into the late hours, drew solidarity from various quarters, including Davji Atella, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioner, Pharmacist, and Dentist’s Union (KMPDU). Atella joined the interns, offering his support and engaging with them to amplify their cause.
Speaking to reporters, Atella underscored the interns’ grievances, emphasizing that despite assurances, the government had failed to issue posting letters to the interns by the mandated date of July 7, 2024. This delay, according to Atella, contravenes the agreements set forth in the CBA, further exacerbating the interns’ frustration.
Throughout the night, the interns received an outpouring of support from Kenyans online, with many donating essential supplies such as foodstuffs to sustain them through the chilly conditions as they camped outside Afya House. Undeterred by the challenges, the interns remained steadfast in their demand for fair treatment and adherence to the CBA.
The protest, which began early yesterday morning, saw the interns gathering in solidarity, holding placards and chanting slogans calling for justice. Their presence at Afya House symbolized a plea for transparency and accountability within the healthcare sector, urging authorities to prioritize their welfare and professional development.
As dawn broke over Nairobi, the interns continued their vigil, awaiting a response from health authorities regarding the issuance of their posting letters. Their persistence underscores a broader sentiment among healthcare professionals in Kenya, highlighting ongoing challenges in the implementation of labor agreements within the medical field.
The Ministry of Health has yet to issue a formal statement in response to the interns’ demands. However, the peaceful yet determined nature of the protest signals a resolute stance from Kenya’s future medical practitioners, advocating for their rights amidst bureaucratic delays.
For now, the interns remain stationed at Afya House, resolved to continue their protest until their demands are met and their concerns addressed by the relevant authorities.
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