A new directive by Kenya’s Ministry of Health aimed at reforming the nursing internship program has sparked widespread backlash and public outcry.
On July 22, the Ministry announced that only students admitted to nursing programs through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) would qualify for government-sponsored internships.
Self-sponsored students would now be required to fund their internships independently.
“Only students placed through KUCCPS will be eligible for government-sponsored internships. Self-sponsored students will be required to fund their own internships,” the Ministry stated.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed the policy during a consultative meeting with universities offering nursing degrees.
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He framed the reforms as a necessary step to restore integrity, transparency, and fairness in the internship placement process, following serious irregularities uncovered in the 2025/2026 cycle.
Public Outrage Over the Policy
The announcement quickly triggered criticism online, with many accusing the government of discriminating against self-sponsored students.
Critics argue that the new policy creates an unfair divide between students pursuing the same profession, many of whom only self-sponsored due to limited KUCCPS slots.
“Both groups attend the same classes, sit the same exams, and pursue the same careers,” wrote Martin Kiswili on Facebook. “This policy is unfair and disheartening, especially for those who had no choice but to pay for their education.”
“Not everyone gets placed by KUCCPS even if they are highly qualified,” added Ebrahim Junior.
“If the government won’t give them internships, at least issue them their licenses. Don’t punish them.”
Others questioned the legality and ethics of the move.
“Are self-sponsored students not also Kenyan taxpayers?” asked Ruheni Bin Githuka. “Everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and education.”
Some warned that the policy could deepen divisions within the healthcare sector.
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“Then expect self-sponsored medics to only treat self-sponsored patients,” wrote Dracun Medin in a sarcastic post.
Defending the changes, CS Duale said, “These reforms are meant to protect the future of healthcare in Kenya. We want a fair, accountable, and high-quality system for training health professionals.”
Internship Scandal and Accountability Measures
The controversial policy comes on the heels of an audit that uncovered major flaws in the 2025/2026 internship placement process.
The audit revealed that 42 students who had not completed their studies were granted internships, while 339 qualified candidates were excluded.
As a result, CS Duale suspended the CEO of the Nursing Council of Kenya, Dr. Lister Onsongo, for failing to properly vet student records. The Ministry also revoked the internship offers extended to the 42 ineligible students.
The deployment of the 2025/2026 internship placements included 2,098 BSc Nursing Officer interns, 1,993 Clinical Officer interns (Diploma), 1,147 Medical Officer interns, 659 BSc Clinical Officer interns, 500 Pharmacist interns, and 87 Dentist interns.
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Self sponsored students should also have a place in government, according to statistics only few students get posted by kuccps in various courses, does that mean student should not pursue their desire in education -Mr Duale is doing a good job but on that policy I utterly disagree