Court Declines to Stop Importation of Cuban Doctors to Kenya

100 Cuban doctors will arrive in Kenya as earlier scheduled after the High Court on Tuesday declined to give orders blocking the government from issuing them with licenses to practice in Kenyan medical facilities.

In his case, Dr. Samson Misango sought the court orders on grounds that public participation was not conducted and that the foreign medics were single sourced to the disadvantage of local practitioners.

He further claims that there is no evidence to show that there is a shortage of doctors in the country to fill any vacancies in the public health system and that the Ministry of Health didn't advertise any such vacancies, making their existence questionable.

Employment and Labour Relations court's Justice Byrum Ongayo ordered the case  be mentioned on May 31st, alongside a similar matter before the same court seeking similar orders.

The Cuban doctors were set to arrive in Kenya on May 28th, but will now jet into the country on June 5th, the Ministry of Health said.

Their arrival has been met with hostility and criticism from a section of Kenyans as well as medical stakeholders who argue that there are enough doctors who can handle the demands locally.

 Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki said the Cuban doctors will end shortage of specialised health professionals in the country and will not take up any positions intended for Kenyan medical officials.