A significant showdown is brewing between the government and medical interns following remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa, who hinted at plans to reduce the salary of medical interns in the country. This comes after a November-December meeting where an agreement was made for intern doctors to receive Sh206,000 per month. However, the new cohort set to join the workforce is now facing a drastic reduction in pay, with Barasa proposing a stipend of Sh70,000.
During a health summit attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Barasa emphasized the need to closely monitor the internship component to ensure that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is effectively implemented. She explained, “In our previous discussions, we agreed on a salary of Sh206,000 for medical interns. However, for the new cohort, we are talking about Sh70,000.” This proposal has sparked intense debate, with medical unions and interns warning of potential industrial action if the pay cut proceeds.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Davji Atellah quickly responded, warning that the proposed reduction in pay could trigger a strike. In a tweet on X, Atellah stated, “Anytime you touch our salaries, you are inadvertently giving yourselves a strike notice as the government.” He urged medical interns to unite and prepare for action, with a potential strike date set for February 20, 2025. The union has already expressed its dissatisfaction with previous pay agreements, citing the government’s failure to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The health sector has long been plagued by pay disputes between the government and healthcare professionals. In December 2024, the government signed an agreement with KMPDU to end a looming doctor’s strike, securing a Sh206,000 monthly salary for interns. However, the new salary proposal is at odds with the terms set in the 2017 CBA, which set the minimum monthly pay for an intern doctor at Sh212,000, inclusive of allowances. The CS acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, noting that the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) had ruled on the matter in October 2024, upholding the legality of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) circular, but also noting discrepancies with the 2017 CBA.
Barasa called for innovative health financing mechanisms to address gaps in funding and ensure the sustainability of healthcare services. She also stressed the importance of investing in Human Resources for Health (HRH) to maintain a well-equipped and trained workforce. As the tensions mount, all eyes are now on the negotiations between the government and KMPDU, with a resolution expected soon to avert the looming strike.
