Doctors announce protest in Nairobi on Thursday

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) has announced they will stage a peaceful protest in Nairobi on Thursday.

KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah in a letter to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander said the procession will be over the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students.

“We write to inform you of our intention to conduct a peaceful procession concerning the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students. The procession is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 29th February 2024, commencing at 9:30 am,” Atellah said.

He noted that the medics will march from the Kenya Medical Association Centre in the Upper Hill area to the Ministry of Health offices before proceeding to the Treasury headquarters in the city centre.

“In light of the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, we kindly request your assistance in providing security during this event,” the KMPDU Sec-Gen added.

Atellah last week threatened a nationwide strike in March if over 1,000 medical interns were not hired. He criticised the Ministry of Health for refusing to absorb the medics, denying Kenyans medical services.

“All the doctor interns must get their letters to internships by March 1st, otherwise we will go to the Ministry of Health to collect these letters,” Atellah said in a press address on February 20.

“We are putting the Ministry of Health, the Treasury, the Council of Governors and the whole country on notice that by February 29 and March 1, if we do not have direction on posting of interns, all the doctors in this country will be on a go-slow.”