What was once a dream for many young doctors has turned into a nightmare. Across Mombasa County, dozens of medical interns are crying out against exploitation, delayed pay, and inhumane working conditions — a crisis that has left some of them broken, depressed, and even dead.
Despite government allocations meant to cover their stipends, many interns say they have gone for months without pay, surviving only on goodwill and the hope that one day the system will honor its promise. Instead, they continue to endure verbal abuse, extreme working hours, and a toxic culture of intimidation within public hospitals.
“We work from dawn to past midnight, managing wards, performing procedures, and saving lives — yet we cannot afford a meal after our shift,” lamented one intern stationed at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, who requested anonymity.
Several interns told Al Shifaa Media that delayed payments have pushed them into financial and emotional distress, with some resorting to borrowing money to survive. Worse still, the constant humiliation from supervisors and the lack of mental health support have driven some to the brink of despair.
“We have lost colleagues — brilliant young doctors who could no longer take it. Some died by suicide, others collapsed from exhaustion. It’s heartbreaking,” said another intern.
According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Coast branch, more than 150 medical interns in Mombasa are affected. The union has accused both county and national health officials of turning a blind eye to their plight, even as billions are allocated annually for healthcare staffing.
“The government cannot continue using interns as cheap labor while ignoring their welfare. Some of these deaths could have been prevented if there was accountability,” said a KMPDU official based in Mombasa.
Mental health experts have warned that unchecked burnout and depression among medical trainees could have long-term effects on Kenya’s healthcare sector. Many interns, they note, enter the profession with enthusiasm, only to be crushed by systemic neglect and abuse.
“It’s not just about the unpaid stipends — it’s about the psychological toll. When you push young doctors beyond their limits, you destroy both the healer and the healing system,” said a Mombasa-based psychologist.
Efforts by AL SHIFAA MEDIA to reach the Mombasa County Department of Health for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to senior officials went unanswered. However, insiders claim that funds for intern stipends are usually released, raising questions about where the money went.
As the silence continues, interns are warning of mass resignations or protests if their grievances are ignored. The situation now threatens to cripple critical hospital services, especially in emergency, maternity, and pediatric units where interns form the backbone of care.
For many of these young medics, the once-glowing dream of saving lives has been replaced by fatigue, hopelessness, and grief — a tragic reflection of a system that has shattered the dreams of its own healers.
Written By: Rajab Abubakar