Acting Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth has addressed the demand made by doctors for medical interns to be paid over Ksh. 200,000, downplaying its feasibility due to the government’s financial constraints.
He pointed out that such a significant increase in intern salaries would not be feasible given the current budgetary limitations. Dr. Amoth highlighted that neighboring countries typically pay medical interns between Ksh. 45,000 and Ksh. 70,000.
He explained, “This batch of 3759 will require a budget of Ksh. 4.8 billion, but remember every year doctors graduate. So the challenge we have is that every year this figure is going to increase. This figure is also not arbitrary from SRC; we have also looked at other jurisdictions.”
“Nigeria pays their interns an equivalent of Ksh.70,000, South Africa pays their interns Ksh.208,000, Rwanda pays about Ksh.50,000, Tanzania pays Ksh.66,000, Uganda is currently paying Ksh.50,000, Ghana which is in the same league as us pays their interns an equivalent of Ksh.45,000,” said Dr Amoth.
One of the key grievances expressed by the doctors has been the government’s failure to promptly post medical interns, who are a vital part of the healthcare workforce, further straining an already burdened system.
Despite the Ministry’s stance, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) remains steadfast in its demand for better compensation for interns. They argue that competitive remuneration is essential to attract and retain skilled medical professionals, which is crucial for delivering quality healthcare services to the Kenyan population.