The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has suspended the planned protests at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Nairobi on July 8, 2024. 

The protests which were dubbed #OccupyMOH were supposed to pressure the government into posting medical interns.

While suspending the strike, KMPDU noted that negotiations with the Ministry of Health were promising and the Union had decided to give dialogue a chance.

"We are suspending the occupation of Afya House. This decision comes as a result of ongoing discussions and commitments made towards ensuring all medical interns are posted in accordance with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)," KMPDU noted in a statement.

"We remain vigilant and committed to achieving fair outcomes for all interns."

The protests which were being supported by the Gen Z not only demanded the posting of the interns but also paying them Ksh206,000 instead of the Ksh70,000 proposed by the national government.

The disgruntled healthcare workers had further called for the sacking of Cabinet Health Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. 

While calling for the protests, KMPDU had complained that CS Nakhumicha had not honoured a return to work formula (RTWF) in relation to the posting of interns.

"Reference is made to the return to work (RTWF) dated May 8, 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," KMPDU stated on July 5.

"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, July 8, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM."