KENYA ends agreement with Cuban doctors

Kenya has decided not to renew the six-year agreement that allowed over 100 Cuban doctors to work in Kenyan hospitals. The announcement was made by Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha, who cited the move as a measure to address challenges faced by Kenyan health workers, including the lack of employment opportunities.

“We have decided not to renew the agreement with the Cuban doctors. Our very own healthcare professionals are committed to the cause,” stated Minister Nakhumicha.

The agreement, established in 2017, initiated an exchange program in which Cuban doctors were brought to Kenya to help fill the gap in county hospitals while Kenyan medical professionals had the opportunity to travel to Cuba for specialized medical training.

However, this program faced backlash from Kenyan medical professionals who argued that local doctors possessed the necessary training and expertise, similar to their Cuban counterparts. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the salaries paid to Cuban doctors, which were reportedly higher than those received by their Kenyan counterparts. This led to frustrations among locally trained doctors who remained unemployed.

Kenyan doctors and other healthcare workers have consistently voiced their concerns through strikes, demanding higher wages, better working conditions, and increased hiring of medical personnel.

The decision to end the agreement with Cuban doctors is expected to have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s healthcare system and medical professionals. It remains to be seen how the government plans to address the challenges faced by local health workers as it moves forward.