In a set and planned turn of events, Kenya’s Generation Z has embarked on a two-week protest that began yesterday with the “Occupy MoH” initiative.
Organized by medical interns and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), the demonstrators camped outside the Ministry of Health offices overnight, demanding immediate posting of all medical interns rather than the government’s phased approach. The protesters are also calling for the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
The first day of the protest saw hundreds of medical interns and KMPDU members gather at Afya House, the headquarters of the Ministry of Health. The demonstrators set up camp, vowing to stay until their demands were met. Their primary concern is the government’s decision to post medical interns in batches rather than all at once, a move they argue undermines the healthcare system and the interns’ professional development.
Following their day-long occupation of the MoH, the protesters are set to shift their focus today to the offices of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Members of Parliament (MPs). According to their publicly shared schedule, the demonstrators plan to occupy these offices to demand the reconstitution of the IEBC, citing concerns over electoral integrity and transparency.
The protests have drawn support from various civil society groups and the general public, who share the demonstrators’ concerns about unemployment, healthcare inefficiencies, and corruption. The widespread frustration with the government’s handling of these issues has galvanized a broad coalition of supporters.
The protests have disrupted operations at the MoH and are expected to cause similar disruptions at IEBC and MPs’ offices. Security has been heightened to manage the protests and prevent any potential clashes.
