The Ministry of Health has announced plans to withdraw nearly 700 medical interns from Kiambu County due to the ongoing doctors’ strike.
The 697 interns, including medical officers, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and clinical officers, were deployed to Kiambu on July 1 as part of the national 2025/2026 internship cohort.
While their colleagues in other counties have already begun training, those posted to Kiambu remain stranded, unable to start their programmes.
In a letter to Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned that unless the dispute is resolved, the ministry will recall all interns by September 15 for redistribution to hospitals across the country.
“This measure is necessary to safeguard the interns’ training, ensure timely progression of their programme, and maintain alignment with their peers nationally,” he stated.
The move follows Kenyatta University’s withdrawal of its students and doctor-lecturers from Kiambu, with the institution now partnering with Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
Other universities including JKUAT and MKU are also seeking alternative training facilities.
The ministry has urged the Kiambu County Government to resolve the stalemate urgently, warning that residents risk losing crucial healthcare services if the interns are withdrawn.
