Doctors Threaten to Inject More Pain on Kiambu’s Ailing Health System

Public health services in Kiambu remain in crisis as the doctors’ strike enters its 55th day, with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) accusing the county government of defying court orders and frustrating efforts to resolve the stalemate.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, July 21, 2025, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah criticized the Kiambu County Government for what he termed “deliberate defiance” of court rulings upholding doctors’ right to strike.

He accused the administration of issuing threats of dismissal to striking doctors and failing to engage in meaningful negotiations.

“We have also declared demonstrations this Thursday in Kiambu County to dramatize the injustice of the county,” said Atellah. 

“It has reached a point where we will not treat Kiambu as Kiambu alone, but as a union. If this issue is not resolved, we are ready to make this a national strike.”

The union announced plans for a mega demonstration in Kiambu Town on Thursday, July 24, warning that continued intimidation and neglect of doctors' grievances could escalate the crisis to a nationwide strike.

“The people in Kiambu are suffering. There are not enough doctors. There are no drugs. Working conditions are inhumane. Instead of resolving the crisis, the county has weaponised public desperation by turning patients against the very caregivers standing up for safe and humane care” said Atellah.

The ongoing industrial action, which began in May 2025, has brought hospital operations in Kiambu to a near standstill. KMPDU cites delayed promotions, punitive transfers, inadequate medical equipment, and lack of health insurance as some of the key unresolved issues.

According to Dr. Atellah, the county’s actions reflect a broader disregard for the well-being of both health workers and patients.

“This strike is about the dignity of doctors and patients,” he said. “The county government has shown no intention of resolving this matter, and as a union, we stand united across the country.”

KMPDU has also raised alarm over the fate of 150 medical interns currently stationed in Kiambu County. The union has urged the Ministry of Health to withdraw the interns, citing compromised training conditions due to the absence of senior doctors to supervise them.

“We demand that these interns be reposted to counties with functional health systems, where they can receive proper mentorship and patients can be assured of quality care,” Atellah added.

Efforts at dialogue between the union and county officials have reportedly stalled, with no tangible progress made since the strike began. Meanwhile, thousands of patients continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, with many public health facilities either closed or offering minimal services.

As the Thursday demonstration approaches, pressure is mounting on both county and national health authorities to act swiftly to avert a wider collapse of services and prevent further escalation.