Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has announced a surge in patients’
intake over the ongoing industrial action in Kiambu and Nairobi counties.
In a statement on Wednesday, Acting CEO Dr. Richard
Lesiyampe said the hospital is struggling to cope with a sharp rise in
critically ill patients arriving for treatment.
“The Maternity Department has been hardest hit, with the
Labour Ward and Newborn Unit now handling more than twice their normal
capacity,” Dr. Lesiyampe said.
Dr. Lesiyampe said the hospital’s staff are working
tirelessly to manage the situation, but resources are stretched to the limit.
“KNH remains committed to caring for all who come through
our doors, and we continue to do everything possible to save lives under these
difficult circumstances,” he said.
He noted that some mothers and babies are arriving too late
for care, and a few have experienced poor health outcomes despite the best
efforts of KNH’s medical teams.
The surge in patient numbers has also put immense pressure
on key hospital services such as operating theatres, the blood bank, and
diagnostic units.
The hospital has called on all parties involved in the
ongoing industrial dispute to resolve their differences quickly.
The doctors’ strike in Kiambu County has been ongoing for
over 130 days. They have now been joined by their counterparts in Nairobi
County.
The medics are protesting delayed salaries, poor working
conditions, and the county’s alleged failure to honour a Collective Bargaining
Agreement signed with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists
Union.
Doctors have stood firm, vowing not to return to work until
their grievances are fully addressed.
The Ndenderu Ward United, a community-based organisation,
has written to Governor Kimani Wamatangi, warning that the strike risks reversing
the progress made in improving local health infrastructure.
“We now kindly appeal to your office to urgently intervene
and facilitate a constructive dialogue between the county government, KMPDU, and
other stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution,” Chairman John Mweha said.
The CBO had earlier petitioned KMPDU, urging doctors to
temporarily resume work while negotiations continue, but their plea fell flat.
On Tuesday, KMPDU rescheduled the planned demonstration in
Kiambu County from Wednesday, October 8, to Monday, October 13, 2025.
In a statement on October 7, KMPDU secretary general Davji
Atellah said the adjustment was made to allow broader participation, better
coordination, and stronger engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
“This is to inform members, partners, and the public that
the planned Kiambu demonstration, initially scheduled for Wednesday, October 8,
2025, has been rescheduled to Monday, October 13, 2025,” Atellah said in a
statement.
“This adjustment is intended to ensure broader participation,
effective coordination, and meaningful engagement with all relevant
stakeholders as we continue to demand accountability and dignified working
conditions for doctors, as well as quality healthcare for all Kenyans.”
The union reaffirmed its commitment to championing the
rights of healthcare workers while pushing for improved service delivery in
public health facilities.
