Doctors have called for the immediate closure of 13 public hospitals in Kiambu County due to escalating safety concerns and the impact of an ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike. The demand follows rising fears over compromised patient care and disrupted medical training, particularly in the absence of medical consultants in the affected facilities.
According to a formal letter submitted to health authorities, the doctors’ union highlighted that the conditions in these hospitals have become increasingly dangerous. Intern doctors, essential for the future of the health workforce, have been unable to complete mandatory training assessments due to the lack of supervision. Meanwhile, newly contracted doctors reportedly feel unprepared and anxious about delivering medical care without senior oversight.
The affected facilities include major referral hospitals such as Kiambu, Thika, and Gatundu Level V hospitals. Also listed are several Level IV facilities: Tigoni, Ruiru, Igegania, Kihara, Wangige, Lari, Luseggeti, Karuri, Gachororo, and Githunguri hospitals. The union maintains that these institutions cannot safely operate under current circumstances.
In their appeal, the doctors emphasized that the absence of experienced personnel not only undermines the quality of medical services but also endangers the lives of patients and healthcare workers alike. They stressed that the quality of care has fallen to unacceptable levels and urged the government to take swift, decisive action.
The union recommended that the 13 hospitals remain closed until the underlying issues causing the strike are resolved. They argue that continuing operations under current conditions would further jeopardize patient safety and lower the standards of clinical training and medical practice.
The ongoing strike, which has lasted several weeks, has severely disrupted health services across multiple counties. Kiambu County is among the worst hit, with hospitals reportedly struggling to maintain essential services. The disruption has been linked to unresolved grievances surrounding employment terms, pay, and working conditions.
Healthcare professionals continue to insist that resolving the strike and reinstating qualified medical personnel is the only sustainable way to restore normalcy and protect both patients and staff. The situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms and immediate intervention to safeguard Kenya’s public healthcare infrastructure.
