The Ministry of Health has deployed 6,784 healthcare interns under the 2026/2027 Internship Programme, marking a major step in strengthening Kenya’s health workforce and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The first group of fresh graduates includes medical officers, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and clinical officers, who will be stationed across the country to assist healthcare delivery and gain practical experience.
In 2026/2027 Financial Year, the government has set apart KSh 9. 316 billion for facilitating the training and deployment of the interns as a reflection of its unwavering support to the development of a skilled and sustainable human health workforce.
The deployment comprises 875 medical officers interns, Dental Officer Interns 69, Pharmacist Interns 616, Bachelor of Science Nursing Officer Interns 2, 424 Bachelor of Science Clinical Officer Interns 705, Diploma Clinical Officer Interns 2, 096.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale said the interns are joining the sector at a critical time as Kenya implements reforms aimed at improving access to quality and affordable healthcare.
He invited healthcare workers to be the epitome of the values of professionalism, integrity, and empathy, and he went on to say that their hard work can result in good patient outcomes and people’s faith in the health system.
The interns’ work will help fulfil the country’s healthcare goals, including the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan, maternal and newborn health programmes, the Social Health Authority (SHA), quality improvement initiatives, and the digitisation of healthcare services.
Reiterating the government’s dedication to the health workforce, CS Duale pointed out the allotment of KSh 8. 9 billion as a budget to shift Universal Health Coverage staff to permanent and pensionable positions.
He revealed the government’s recruitment of 5, 000 nurses and midwives under the EWENE, which is a step in the fight against maternal and newborn deaths.
According to the Ministry, the internship placement process was improved by partnering with county governments, regulatory councils, training institutions, professional associations, unions, and development partners so that there’s transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of healthcare personnel in the country.
This deployment will be the gateway of the quality health care that’s in line with the aspirations of the people through their continued engagement with the health system and also the healthcare system will be more resilient to the challenges being faced by the country as well as able to address the increased healthcare needs of the population.
