Kenya’s health system struggles as 1,000 doctors strike
Thousands of patients in Kenya are struggling to access medical care as a doctors’ strike spreads across several counties.
The walkout, led by more than 1,000 doctors in Marsabit, Kakamega, and Kiambu, has left public hospitals with little or no staff and forced patients to seek expensive treatment in private clinics or travel long distances for help.
In Kakamega, the strike has lasted four weeks. Marsabit and Kiambu joined recently, adding to the pressure on the health system.
Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and people with chronic illnesses have been hit the hardest.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which represents the doctors, says the strike is due to poor working conditions, delayed salaries, and unfair transfers.
The union also warns of growing mental health problems among doctors, who face heavy workloads and little support.
Some have left their jobs, while others struggle with burnout and depression.
In Kiambu County, the situation is especially severe, local reports say.
The union says some doctors have gone months without regular pay, and hospitals that used to have 17 doctors are now operating with just two.
Others are being moved from one hospital to another without proper notice or compensation. In some cases, transfer orders were sent informally via WhatsApp.
The union says these disruptions have hurt both doctors and their families, as many are forced to move their homes and switch their children’s schools with little warning.
Doctors who want to pursue further training are also being blocked, with plans for specialised care, such as neonatal units are now on hold.
At least 10 doctors in Kiambu have resigned this year.
Others have been stuck in the same job position for up to eight years, with no promotions or pay raises.
Confusion over leadership roles has added to the frustration, with unauthorised staff reportedly taking on supervisory duties.
The union is also accusing Kiambu County of failing to send union dues amounting to 7 million Kenyan shillings ($54,158) for the past eight months.
