In a show of frustration, medical professionals set up camp outside Nairobi’s Afya House on Monday, urging the government to honour its commitment to post medical interns under the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
After a day of picketing at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Upper Hill, the health workers persisted into the night, lighting candles and flashlights despite light showers.
Videos circulated on social media captured them singing the national anthem, waving Kenyan flags, and displaying placards with messages like ‘Nakhumicha must go!’.
The protest coincides with President William Ruto’s recent establishment of a task force to audit health resources.
Ruto emphasized the need for the Human Resources for Health task force to develop comprehensive strategies and policies to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
Ruto appointed Khama Rogo the chairperson and Judith Guserwa the vice Chairperson of the task force.
Members of the team are Patrick Amoth, John Masasabi, Toseef Din, Wilson Aruasa, Doreen Rhoda Kanyua, Dennis Miskellah and Francis Wafula.
Others are Habiba Mohamed, Lucy Mburu, Collins Kiprono, Victor Miseda, Christine Okoth, Carolyne Mage, Jacinta Rwamba, Justina Wamae, Kanyenje Gakombe, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana and Benard Ondeng Otieno Choi.
The President named Edna Tallam-Kimaiyo and Morris Kaburu as joint secretaries for the task force.
Hezron Omollo and Vivienne Eyase were appointed secretaries for the task force.
They are mandated to serve for six months effective from July 5, 2024, with the Secretariat located at the Ministry of Health.
Ruto outlined the task force’s responsibilities, including identifying constraints affecting the health sector’s human resources performance and recommending reforms.
Additionally, it will review and advise on harmonizing employment terms for healthcare workers while respecting devolution principles.
