Kenya’s healthcare system faced significant disruptions on Thursday as doctors affiliated with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) launched a nationwide strike.
This action comes despite a court order issued on Wednesday aimed at preventing the work stoppage.
The KMPDU, the country’s largest medical professional organization with over 8,000 members, is citing several grievances, including understaffing and delays in the placement of medical interns.
These issues have resulted in overwhelmed staff and limited services at public hospitals across Kenya.
Reports from major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu indicate chaos and frustration as patients seeking emergency care, routine checkups, and critical procedures face delays or are turned away altogether. Many are forced to seek alternative, often more expensive, treatment at private facilities.
KMPDU officials remain defiant regarding the court order, claiming its limitations exclude certain hospitals.
Dr. Khalib Salim, a KMPDU representative at Coast General Hospital, explained the situation: “We’re currently providing only essential services due to staffing shortages caused by the strike.
Non-urgent services are unavailable, and several wards are closed.” He emphasized the need for improved working conditions, including better staffing solutions, as a key driver of the strike.
The situation presents a particular challenge for those with chronic health conditions who rely on frequent medical care.
With limited services at public hospitals, many patients have been forced to turn to more expensive private clinics, adding further strain to their resources.
The KMPDU maintains that the strike is a last resort to pressure the government to address staffing issues, particularly the delay in posting over 1,200 medical interns.
However, Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha has rejected these demands, citing budgetary constraints and a lack of ministerial authority in intern placement.
The Minister has urged the union to adopt a more realistic approach.
