Integrity forms the bedrock of any credible healthcare system. In Kenya, recent revelations have sent ripples through the medical community, spotlighting a grave breach of professional standards. The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), led by its Secretary General Seth Panyako, has taken a strong public stand, fully endorsing the suspension of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) chief executive, Lister Onsongo, and the immediate revocation of internship letters issued to illegally posted nurse interns. This firm stance, articulated during a media briefing on April 3, 2024, underscores KNUN's commitment to upholding the sanctity of the nursing profession, even as they clarified that their members are not on strike but engaged in ongoing dialogue with the government.
The scandal centers on a disturbing collusion that compromised the critical entry point for aspiring nurses into the professional workforce. According to a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Health, the NCK, in direct contravention of its own governing Act and Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines, colluded with ten public and private universities. This illicit arrangement unlawfully saw 42 Bachelor of Science (BSc) nursing students submitted for internship placements before they had even completed their academic programmes—a fundamental violation of the rigorous standards required for patient care.
Upon uncovering this serious breach, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale acted swiftly and decisively. The Ministry of Health's investigation revealed the extent of the procedural lapse, leading to the immediate revocation of all internship letters issued to the affected 42 students. These students were subsequently instructed to vacate their duty stations, allowing for comprehensive investigations to commence and ensure that accountability is met at every level. This decisive action by the Ministry is a vital step in reaffirming the government's commitment to upholding the highest standards in healthcare training and practice.
KNUN's condemnation of the NCK's actions was unequivocal. Secretary General Seth Panyako emphasized the union's full support for Health CS Adan Duale's intervention. Panyako left no room for ambiguity regarding the consequences, stating, "All these responsible must face the full force of the law." This unified voice from both the Ministry and the nursing union sends a powerful message of zero tolerance for corruption and malpractice within a sector that directly impacts public well-being.
