A doctors’ strike in Kiambu County, now in its 124th day, has triggered a severe health crisis, with health workers’ unions reporting over 100 infant deaths and five maternal fatalities since May. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), led by Dr. James Githinji, head of the Kiambu Branch, accuses the Kiambu County government of failing to implement a mandated salary review, leaving residents struggling to access critical medical care.
Dr. James Githinji, head of the KMPDU Kiambu Branch, reported that at least 100 infants have died since the strike began, including 53 babies lost across two hospitals in September alone. Data from two major hospitals highlights the crisis: Kiambu Level 5 Hospital recorded 18 infant deaths each in May and June, 14 in July, and 18 in August, while Thika Level 5 Hospital reported 34 infant deaths in September alone. “Residents of Kiambu are crying along the streets, and people are dying,” Dr. Githinji said, noting that emergency care is nearly inaccessible. Patients are often forced to seek treatment in private facilities or neighboring counties, relying on inadequate transport like dilapidated ambulances.
The strike stems from the county government’s alleged refusal to implement a salary review mandated by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Despite repeated appeals from unions, the county has not acted, prolonging the healthcare disruption.
Kiambu County officials, however, deny the crisis, asserting that hospitals are fully operational. “We have clinics running, drugs supplied at over 90% capacity, and all our hospitals are open,” a county spokesperson claimed. They accused the unions of fabricating the crisis to bolster their negotiating position, citing the “thousands of patients treated in Kiambu hospitals in the last 24 hours” as evidence.
In response, unions are planning demonstrations to highlight their grievances and stand with affected residents. “How long will it take for urgent action to resolve this stalemate?” Dr. Githinji, head of the KMPDU Kiambu Branch, asked, signaling an escalation in their efforts.
As the strike persists, the rising death toll and limited healthcare access have raised urgent concerns about accountability and the county’s response. With both sides entrenched, Kiambu residents continue to suffer the consequences of this ongoing conflict.
