Kenya: Doctors’ strike enters day 3 as situation in public hospitals worsen

The strike by doctors and nurses enters the third day Wednesday with the situation getting worse in public hospitals after the government failed to strike a deal in meetings called on Tuesday.

The talks failed to contain the crisis after the medics rejected a proposal for a return to work formula, insisting on full implementation of their 300 per cent pay increase.

More than 10 patients have died in public hospitals across the country as a result of the ongoing strike.

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu however stated that the government will continue to engage the union officials to find a solution.

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The Nyeri County government has in the meantime moved to assure residents of continued health services despite the ongoing strike by medics.

The Health County Executive Charles Githinji said that they will partner with private and mission health facilities to ensure that this is realized.

Githinji was speaking at Consolata Mathari Mission hospital after the county temporarily offered 20 beds, three incubators, 40 mattresses among other pharmaceutical equipment.

“In the past, we have come in whenever we have had industrial unrest and strikes, Mathari has always been ready and managed to cushion the issue by providing support in various areas including infrastructure,” he stated.

In Nakuru, Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has embarked on the recruitment of nurses and doctors to intervene in hospitals until the strike is over