The Ministry of Health has issued a clarification regarding the salaries of medical interns, addressing widespread confusion and debate over their remuneration.
This followed an announcement by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday, stating that medical interns would receive KSh206,000 per month. Depending on their placement, the salary will vary between KSh180,000 and KSh206,000.
“They will earn everything. That’s why I came here — to ensure there will be no more industrial disputes involving health workers in Kenya, for the success of universal health coverage,” Duale affirmed on Monday.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry confirmed that posting letters for intern doctors specify a basic monthly salary of KSh46,120, with additional allowances — such as housing, commuter, and medical allowances — aligned with Civil Service Grade (CSG) 9 / Job Group ‘L’. This brings the total monthly remuneration to approximately KSh208,000 for medical officer interns, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists.
The Ministry’s clarification aims to resolve discrepancies and reaffirm its commitment to implementing the agreed-upon compensation structure for the 1,147 medical officer interns recently posted.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions and concerns raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and other stakeholders, following reports that not all medical interns would receive the previously publicised KSh206,000 monthly salary as stipulated in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The KMPDU Deputy Secretary-General, Dennis Miskellah, stated that the figure is not a flat rate.
“This figure is not a flat rate. Based on the location where you are working, you will be paid appropriately. It follows the civil servants’ pay grade, which includes the basic salary and other allowances,” Miskellah said.
Notably, the Ministry added that some intern doctors may receive non-practice allowances if they are not engaged in clinical activities, and emphasised that this structure adheres to the CBA and aligns with the government’s fiscal policies.
The issue of intern salaries has long been contentious, rooted in a prolonged dispute between the Ministry of Health and KMPDU. Earlier this year, a nationwide doctors’ strike disrupted healthcare services, with one of the key demands being the timely posting and fair compensation of medical interns.
On 30 June 2025, the Ministry directed interns to collect their posting letters at Afya House, marking progress in resolving the stalemate. However, the variation in reported salaries had sparked fears of renewed unrest.
– By Jeremiah Richu
