Doctors' strike in Kiambu escalates amid allegations of mismanagement, neglect

Doctors in Kiambu County have downed their tools indefinitely.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Tuesday declared a full-scale strike, protesting what they termed years of mistreatment, systemic neglect, and politicisation of healthcare in the region.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, KMPDU National Chairperson Dr Abidan Mwachi accused the Kiambu County government of turning a blind eye to critical issues affecting more than 500 doctors employed in the county’s public health system.

He cited mass resignations, an alarming rise in substance abuse among medical staff, and a toxic work environment as signs of a collapsing health system.

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“The strike in Kiambu is officially on and will continue. It has been buoyed by a court ruling affirming our right to industrial action. The county has consistently failed to resolve issues raised by doctors, including decade-long stagnation in job promotions and lack of medical coverage,” said Dr Mwachi.

He described the situation as dire, pointing to the fact that doctors in Kiambu have had to resort to public fundraisers to meet their medical bills.

“It is both bizarre and abhorrent that we are raising funds for our doctors to afford food and healthcare. These are the same professionals expected to treat the sick in Kiambu’s hospitals,” he added.

According to the union, Kiambu County has the highest number of doctors undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction—a trend they attribute to chronic burnout and poor working conditions.

Doctors have reportedly gone for over 14 years without job group promotions, despite a return-to-work agreement signed last year following a 56-day strike.

“Some of our colleagues have been transferred up to five times in six months as punishment for speaking out. These punitive actions, arbitrary transfers, and lack of support have created an unbearable working environment,” said Dr Mwachi.

He also blamed the county government for investing in infrastructure projects dubbed “white elephants” while neglecting the hiring of specialists and equipping hospitals.

Dr James Maina Githinji, KMPDU Central Branch Chair, affirmed that the strike is legally protected. “Our industrial action has been upheld by the courts. We are within our rights, and we urge our doctors to stand firm,” he said.

He further noted that doctors are tired of burying their colleagues who have succumbed to burnout-related complications.

Dr Bill Muriuki, KMPDU’s Kiambu branch secretary, said the county government should be held accountable for the current paralysis in healthcare services.

“It’s not doctors who have gone on strike—it’s the Kiambu County government that has gone on strike on its people,” Dr Muriuki said.

“We have rolled out minimum service protocols. All hospitals in the county are closed, with only emergency stabilisation being offered at select facilities.”

He explained that patients requiring critical care will be stabilised and referred to larger hospitals such as Kiambu Level 5 and Thika Level 5, or even hospitals outside the county, including those in Murang’a, Machakos, and Naivasha.

“From midnight, only the most critical patients will remain in the wards. All others are being discharged because we cannot guarantee proper care during the strike,” he added.

Dr Caroline Gathoni, KMPDU Central Branch Treasurer, echoed calls for respect and dignity for healthcare workers.

She said doctors have been subjected to inhumane conditions—denied leave, forced to work over 40 hours a week, and silenced when they voice concerns.

“Doctors are trained professionals and human beings. They deserve decent working conditions and basic rights. This includes the right to rest, to be promoted, and to pursue further education,” she said.

She emphasized that the union would no longer accept empty promises and threats. “We are here to stay. Unless the county government addresses our demands meaningfully, this strike will continue.”

Union officials criticised the county’s senior officials for allegedly politicizing the health sector.

They claimed that leaders have dismissed the strike as a political stunt and even attempted to block the press conference scheduled in Kiambu, forcing the doctors to address the media from Nairobi.

Dr Mwachi said, “Doctors are apolitical. We only care about delivering quality healthcare. But we cannot do this if the government undermines us and treats our grievances with sarcasm and contempt.”

According to union leaders, the Kiambu County government had attempted to block the strike by seeking a court injunction on the eve of the planned industrial action. However, the court did not grant the request.

“They tried to serve us with court papers at 7 p.m. for a hearing the next morning. We responded adequately and are now legally protected. The strike continues,” said Dr Mwachi.