The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a major protest in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 18, to demand the immediate posting of medical interns and the establishment of a Public Officer Medical Fund.
In a statement on Friday, March 14, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah called on doctors, healthcare workers, and civil servants to join the march, emphasizing their right to fair treatment.
“Doctors, healthcare workers, and civil servants, it’s time to stand up for our rights! Join us on 18th March 2025 as we march to demand the immediate posting of medical interns and full implementation of the Public Officer Medical Fund,” Atellah stated.
The protests will begin at Kenyatta National Hospital before proceeding to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Treasury, and Social Health Authority offices in Upperhill. The demonstrators will also march to the Ministry of Public Service.
This comes weeks after KMPDU issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding that all medical interns be posted and fully paid under the terms of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by March 18.
The union warned that failure to comply would lead to nationwide strikes, protests, and the withdrawal of medical services.
“We, therefore, issue an ultimatum to the Ministry: By 18th March 2025, all interns must be posted and paid in full as per the existing CBA. Failure to comply will result in nationwide strikes, protests, and the withdrawal of medical services.
“It does not matter how many times we must resist injustice, take to the streets, or go on strike; we will always be ready to fight for what is right. As individuals, we may experience fatigue, but as a united medical fraternity, we will never tire and we will never surrender,” KMPDU stated on February 20.
