The Ministry of Health has cancelled internship offers for 306 pre-intern nurses following an investigation that exposed systemic irregularities in the 2025/2026 Nursing Internship Placement. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed the decision after an audit revealed the affected individuals had not yet graduated, flouting mandatory eligibility requirements.
Key Developments:
- Expanded Audit
The ministry initially flagged 42 unlawfully listed interns in early July. A full review of all 2,098 placements published on July 1 uncovered an additional 264 ineligible candidates, bringing revocations to 306. - Institutional Impact
Kenyatta University suffered the highest number of cancellations (22 students), with over a dozen tertiary institutions nationwide implicated. All designated internship centers were notified to prevent operational disruptions. - New Placements Announced
In a reversal, 316 qualified candidates will now receive internship offers. They must collect letters in person at Afya House on August 1 upon presenting valid national IDs.
Context and Consequences
- High-Stakes Salaries: Medical internships in Kenya offer lucrative packages. Intern doctors earn up to Ksh 208,000 monthly (including allowances), underscoring the competition for placements.
- Leadership Suspension: The Nursing Council of Kenya’s CEO was suspended earlier in July amid the scandal. Duale warned that individuals/institutions complicit in the fraud face “necessary consequences.”
Timeline of Scandal
- July 10: Duale first exposed 19 unqualified interns.
- July 31: Audit concluded, 306 offers revoked.
- August 1: Eligible candidates to receive replacement offers.
The ministry cited “more discrepancies than initially detected” and reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based placements. Affected students await further guidance as the broader audit continues.
