In a swift and decisive move to uphold integrity in healthcare training, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended Dr. Lister Onsongo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
The suspension, announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, comes amidst allegations of irregular and unlawful placement of nursing students into internship programs.
Furthermore, CS Duale has revoked the internship letters issued to 42 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing students.
Who were reportedly submitted for placement before completing their academic qualifications.
This action signals a firm commitment by the Ministry of Health to enforce professional standards.
And ensure accountability within the nursing regulatory body and training institutions.
Uncovering the Irregularities
The Ministry of Health’s investigation unearthed a serious breach of regulations involving the NCK and at least ten public and private universities across the country.
According to a statement from CS Duale, these institutions unlawfully presented 42 BSc Nursing students for an internship.
Despite the students not having fulfilled the prerequisite of completing their academic programs.
“This action is in direct contravention of the Nursing Council Act and the guidelines approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC),” Duale stated.
The CS emphasized that such irregularities compromise the integrity of Kenya’s healthcare training system.
And pose a risk to public safety by potentially allowing underqualified individuals into critical healthcare roles.
The affected 42 students have been immediately instructed to vacate their duty stations.
As a comprehensive internal audit of the entire cohort of 2,098 BSc Nursing interns is launched.
This wider audit aims to ascertain the full extent of any anomalies within the internship placement system.
Suspension and Interim Leadership
Dr. Lister Onsongo’s suspension is pending the outcome of this extensive internal audit.
To ensure the smooth operation of the NCK during this period, CS Duale has appointed Ms. Ann Mukuna.
The Council’s Director of Standards and Compliance, to take over as CEO in an acting capacity.
The Health CS reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices in healthcare.
“The Ministry is committed to upholding the integrity of healthcare training and deployment.
All individuals found culpable – whether at the Ministry of Health, the NCK.
Or within the leadership of the implicated universities – will be held fully accountable,” Duale warned.
He stressed that the matter is being treated with “utmost urgency” to safeguard professional standards and protect the rights of both nursing graduates and the general public.
Broader Context of Internship Challenges
This development comes shortly after the Ministry of Health, in late June 2025, announced the posting of 6,484 healthcare interns.
Including 2,098 BSc Nursing Officer interns for the 2025/2026 internship cohort.
While this was touted as a significant step towards strengthening Kenya’s health workforce.
In addition to the recent revelations underscore the systemic challenges in the internship placement process.
There have been prior complaints from nursing graduates regarding delays in internship postings and alleged irregularities.
With some students camping outside government offices to demand answers.
This latest scandal highlights the need for a robust and transparent system to ensure all qualified graduates receive fair opportunities.
And that only those who meet the strict professional requirements are placed in healthcare facilities.
The ministry’s swift action against the NCK CEO and the affected placements sends a clear message that unethical practices in medical training.
And deployment will not be tolerated, as the country strives to build a competent and trustworthy healthcare workforce.
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