Health Crisis Deepens in Kiambu as Doctors’ Strike Enters Fourth Month

By Ivy Nyaboke 

A health crisis has gripped Kiambu County as the doctors’ strike drags on for more than four months, leaving thousands of patients without access to essential medical services in public hospitals.

Most public health facilities across the county remain deserted, with many wards empty and patients forced to seek treatment in private hospitals or stay home due to the high cost of care.

The striking doctors, through their union KMPDU, have vowed not to return to work until their demands are met. They accuse the county government of failing to pay salaries on time and neglecting poor working conditions in public hospitals.

 “We cannot continue to save lives when our own welfare is ignored. We are only asking for what is rightfully ours,” said one of the doctors during a peaceful demonstration in Kiambu town.

Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi has, however, appealed for dialogue, saying his administration is committed to resolving the dispute and restoring health services as soon as possible.

 “Talks are ongoing, and we are doing everything possible to ensure health services resume. We urge our doctors to put the interests of patients first,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged strike, with many saying the situation has caused untold suffering among the sick and vulnerable.

 “My child has been sick for days, and there’s no doctor to attend to us. We are really suffering,” lamented a resident outside Kiambu Level 5 Hospital.

As negotiations continue, the health crisis in Kiambu remains a painful reminder of the challenges facing Kenya’s public health sector.