Kiambu: Health Strike Enters Third Month as Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacists Demand Action
- Over 90 days of strike action have paralysed Kiambu county’s health system, affecting medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services
- More than 280 doctors, 30 dentists, and 80 pharmacists are involved, leaving residents without access to essential healthcare
- Professional associations warned that government inaction violates constitutional rights and threaten legal action if the crisis persists
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A prolonged strike in Kiambu county has left residents struggling for essential medical care, with hospitals and clinics unable to provide critical services.
Source: Twitter
The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), Kenya Dental Association (KDA), and Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) issued a joint notice expressing grave concern over the ongoing health crisis, now in its 90th day.
The industrial action involves over 280 doctors, nearly 30 dentists, and about 80 pharmacists, effectively halting medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services across the county.
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“This crisis has denied the residents of Kiambu their constitutionally guaranteed right to the highest attainable standard of health. Government inaction is unacceptable and endangers lives,” the notice stated.
What did professional bodies say about Kiambu strike?
The professional bodies emphasised that the collapse of essential health services not only undermines professional practice but also breaches constitutional obligations to respect, protect, and fulfil the right to health.
The associations called on the County Government of Kiambu, the Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors to resolve the crisis urgently.
They demanded fair treatment of healthcare workers according to statutory and contractual obligations.
Will doctors go to court over Kiambu strike?
The notice was signed by Simon Kigondu, president of KMA; Kahura Mundia, president of KDA; and Wairimu Mbogo, president of PSK.
It warned that if authorities fail to act, they would petition the courts and other constitutional organs to enforce compliance with the right to health.
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"In this regard, we jointly call upon the county government, Ministry of Health, and the Council of Governors to resolve this crisis without delay. We demand that healthcare professionals be treated with fairness, dignity, and in accordance with contractual and statutory obligations," the notice added.
The strike, now in its third month, continues to disrupt access to essential healthcare, placing immense pressure on patients and their families.
Source: Twitter
Did court block Kiambu from hiring new doctors?
In a related development previously reported by TUKO.co.ke, Kiambu county faced a legal setback as the Employment and Labour Relations Court halted plans to recruit new medical specialists amid an ongoing doctors’ strike.
The court issued temporary orders preventing the county from shortlisting, appointing, or hiring candidates for the advertised Medical Specialist I positions, urging both sides to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
The legal move followed the county’s announcement of 78 new consultant roles, which the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union argued undermined the interests of striking doctors and aggravated staffing tensions.
The county was given 14 days to respond to the court, with the case scheduled for a full hearing later this month,
Source: TUKO.co.ke
