Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially flagged off the deployment of 6,484 healthcare interns across the country, ushering in the 2025/2026 internship cohort.
The move marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to timely internship placement and the broader vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at Afya House, Nairobi, on Monday, June 30, 2025, CS Duale underscored the importance of a competent, ethical, and compassionate health workforce in delivering quality services to all Kenyans. The interns, drawn from various medical disciplines, will undergo a structured 12-month clinical training program in accredited facilities across the country, aligned with global best practices.
“These young professionals are not just numbers; they are future caregivers. Every patient they encounter represents a life, a story, and a trust placed in their hands. I expect them to serve with discipline, humility, and professionalism,” Duale stated.
Reinforcing UHC through skilled workforce
The CS reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration has prioritised health as a cornerstone of its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. He noted that delivering effective health services requires not only technical competence but also values of compassion, accountability, and integrity.
Duale also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparent internship deployment, strategic human resource planning, and adherence to international standards in professional development.
Collaborative leadership at the launch
The launch event was graced by key figures in the health sector, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako, and Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) CEO George Gibore.
Their presence underscored the sector’s collective commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare workers.
As the interns report to their respective stations, the ministry anticipates a boost in the delivery of healthcare services, especially in underserved areas, aligning with the ongoing push to make quality care accessible and equitable for all.
