PS Oluga: Timely deployment of 6,360 interns reflects health reforms

The timely deployment of 6,360 medical interns reflects ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya's health sector, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has said.

The PS noted that the exercise marks a shift from previous years when delays, uncertainty over placements and disputes over remuneration frequently disrupted the transition of newly qualified health professionals into practice.

According to the PS, all interns will collect their posting letters on schedule, demonstrating the government's commitment to creating a more predictable and efficient health workforce management system.

Oluga said that the government also posted 6,484 medical interns on time last year, compared to 6,360 this year, describing the consistency as evidence that reforms are taking root.

"The improvements are part of wider health sector reforms that include changes in health financing, digital health systems, local manufacturing of health products and restructuring of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority," he stated.

The Principal Secretary further explained that medical internship is a structured professional evaluation that equips graduates for independent practice while enabling them to provide supervised care in hospitals.

He added that medical interns undertake an estimated 27 per cent of clinical work in the country's health facilities, making timely deployment critical to sustaining healthcare services.

PS Oluga said providing interns with clear posting letters, fair placements and proper supervision benefits both healthcare workers and patients by ensuring a smooth transition into professional practice.

He added that Kenya's experience is also informing regional health workforce reforms through the Africa Centre for Health Workforce Initiative and Transformation.

His remarks a week after the Ministry of Health announced the deployment of 6,360 healthcare interns across the country under the 2026/2027 internship programme.

In a statement issued on June 26, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the internship programme remains a key component in preparing healthcare professionals for service delivery by equipping them with practical skills in real healthcare settings.

According to the ministry, the 12-month internship programme is intended to support the development of a skilled and competent health workforce capable of responding to the country’s healthcare needs.

“In line with the Ministry’s mandate to ensure the availability of a skilled and competent health workforce, this internship programme is a critical step in equipping pre-interns with the hands-on experience necessary to deliver quality and responsive healthcare services to the people of Kenya,” the ministry stated.

The CS said the interns will be posted to various healthcare facilities across the country and will officially begin their placements on July 1.