A multi-agency security team has been deployed at Afya House in anticipation of the Occupy Ministry of Health (MoH) protests today.
Images seen by K24 Digital, show the officers armed with teargas canisters manning the building in numbers.
The protests were announced by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah on Friday, June 5, 2024, a section of Kenyans have vowed to attend the demos to express their frustration with the health ministry.
At the time, he underscored that the union had written to the Nairobi Area Regional Police Commander requesting security.
The demos seek to push for the posting and payment of medical interns as per the terms of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Other grievances include Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha’s failure to honour their agreement on the Return To Work Policy dated May 8, 2024, triggered by a 56-day doctors’ strike.
KMPDU stated that intern doctors were expected to get placement information by July 7, 2024.
This deadline was established in an agreement made on May 8, 2024, and repeated by the health CS during a meeting at the State House with President William Ruto.
“Reference is made to the return to work (RTWF) dated 8th May 2024 in which it was agreed that intern doctors would collect their internship letters within 60 days. This agreement, which was deposited in court referenced as EL032 and EL036 attached here, is yet to be fulfilled as of today. The 60 days lapses on 7th July 2024.
“Consequently, we have scheduled a sit-in day and night at the Ministry of Health where all the medical interns will be ready to collect their letters as agreed and in compliance with the RTWF and court order on Monday, 8th July, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM. This letter is to inform you to provide security and maintain order for all participants, during this event. Your cooperation and support in facilitating a peaceful and orderly event will be greatly appreciated,” the letter reads.