The ongoing doctors’ strike in Kiambu County has been prolonged, with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) citing illegal lockouts and the county government’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue as key reasons. The union emphasized that the strike is legally protected by the courts following repeated unsuccessful attempts to resolve grievances through proper channels.
According to union officials, the current standoff is exacerbated by the county government’s reliance on interns and skeleton staff to run hospitals, which has compromised patient care. “The county moved into illegal lockouts. They did not follow the proper procedure. They locked out doctors and tried to operate hospitals using interns,” stated a union representative.
KMPDU also pointed to longstanding issues such as delayed salaries and stalled promotions for county doctors. Health workers have reportedly gone for months without pay, and career advancement opportunities have been ignored, fueling frustration among medical personnel. Previous strikes in the county, including a 56-day strike last year, had established a return-to-work formula endorsed by the courts, but the union claims the county has consistently failed to honor these agreements.
The consequences of the prolonged strike are becoming increasingly severe. Union officials argue that the county’s attempt to operate hospitals as though conditions were normal has endangered patients’ lives. Medical referrals have allegedly been blocked, and doctors have repeatedly raised concerns about being unable to handle hospital obligations safely.
The health crisis has drawn the attention of national leaders, with calls for presidential intervention to resolve the situation. Reports indicate that over 100 children and several mothers have died in recent weeks, highlighting the urgency of addressing the healthcare breakdown. Observers note that these tragedies are not due to a lack of facilities but rather the unavailability of doctors compelled to down their tools in protest.
The KMPDU maintains that a constructive dialogue and adherence to legal labor procedures are essential to ending the strike. Without these measures, the healthcare system in Kiambu County risks further deterioration, placing lives at continued risk and amplifying public concern over patient safety and service delivery
