21st July 2025
The Kenyan Ministry of Health has made a dramatic move, revoking internship placements for 42 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing students after uncovering a major regulatory breach. The scandal involves the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) and ten universities accused of unlawfully submitting students for internships before they completed their studies.
In a strongly worded press release, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale announced the immediate suspension of Dr. Lister Ornsongo, CEO of the Nursing Council, pending a full audit. The ministry has also ordered all affected interns to vacate their posts immediately.
What Went Wrong?
The controversy centres on allegations that the Nursing Council and several universities bypassed legal requirements by prematurely clearing students for internship. According to the Ministry of Health, this violates the Nursing Council Act and Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines, which mandate that students must complete their academic programmes before starting internships.
The 42 implicated students were part of a larger cohort of 2,098 BSc Nursing interns approved for the 2025/2026 cycle. However, an internal review flagged irregularities in their clearance, prompting swift government action.
Leadership Shake-Up at Nursing Council
With Dr. Ornsongo suspended, the ministry has appointed Ms. Ann Mukuna, Director of Standards and Compliance, as interim head of the Nursing Council. The move signals a crackdown on malpractice within Kenya’s healthcare training system.
“The Ministry is committed to upholding the integrity of healthcare training and deployment,” CS Duale stated. “All individuals found culpable—whether at the Ministry of Health, the NCK, or within the implicated universities—will be held accountable.”
Universities Under Scrutiny
While the ministry did not name the ten universities involved, sources suggest both public and private institutions are under investigation. The scandal raises concerns over possible fraud, favouritism, or administrative negligence in the internship placement process.
Nursing students in Kenya undergo a rigorous training programme, including mandatory internships, before full registration. Any shortcut in this process risks compromising patient safety and professional standards.
Public Outrage and Student Reactions
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some healthcare professionals applaud the ministry’s firm stance, while affected students and their families express frustration.
“I was just following the process given by my university,” said one anonymous intern. “Now I’m being punished for something beyond my control.”
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has called for a fair investigation, warning against blanket punishments. “Students should not suffer for systemic failures,” a statement seen by k47 digital news team read.
Broader Implications for Kenya’s Healthcare System
This scandal comes at a critical time for Kenya’s health sector, which has faced staff shortages, strikes, and allegations of corruption in recent years. The government has been pushing to improve healthcare access under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), but such incidents threaten public trust.
Experts warn that weak oversight in professional training could lead to underqualified personnel entering the workforce, endangering lives. The Ministry of Health has assured that a full audit of all 2,098 interns will be conducted to ensure compliance.
