How KNH Is Struggling to Cope as Nairobi, Kiambu Health Workers’ Strike Enters Second Week

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has appealed for an urgent resolution to the ongoing strike by health workers in Nairobi and Kiambu counties, saying the industrial action has led to an overwhelming surge in patients seeking care at the national referral facility.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe said the hospital is facing an unprecedented influx of patients, many in critical condition, after operations in most public hospitals in the two counties came to a standstill.

“KNH is witnessing an overwhelming increase in the number of patients seeking care following the ongoing industrial action in Kiambu and Nairobi counties,” Lesiyampe said. “With most public facilities unable to operate fully, KNH has become the main point of care for patients in need of urgent treatment.”

He said the hospital’s Maternity Department has been hardest hit, with the Labour Ward and Newborn Unit operating at more than twice their normal capacity. The strain, he noted, has resulted in some cases of poor outcomes for mothers and newborns who arrive too late for effective medical intervention.

Other key departments, including operating theatres, the blood bank, and diagnostic units, are also under immense pressure, forcing medical teams to work extended hours to handle the increased workload.

“Our staff are working tirelessly around the clock, but resources are stretched to the limit. KNH remains committed to caring for all who come through our doors and will continue to do everything possible to save lives under these difficult circumstances,” Lesiyampe stated.

He urged both county governments and the striking health workers to urgently resolve their differences to ease the burden on KNH and restore services closer to where patients live.

“Restoring normal operations in Kiambu and Nairobi County hospitals will ease the pressure on KNH and ensure that patients receive care closer to their homes and on time,” he added.

The ongoing strike, now in its second week, has paralyzed public health services in both counties, forcing residents to depend on the national hospital for emergency and specialized care.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called on President William Ruto to dissolve the Kiambu County Government over the unresolved doctors’ strike.

In a statement on Saturday, the union warned that it would mobilize a nationwide solidarity strike unless the Kiambu County Government addresses the grievances raised by its members.

KMPDU accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration of failing to honour commitments, defying court orders, delaying salary and statutory payments, and denying doctors promotions and medical cover.

The union also blamed the county for refusing to sign onto the National Equipment for Service Scheme meant to modernize hospitals and for continuing to charge fees at primary healthcare facilities despite the national policy on free primary health services.

The union said the prolonged strike has led to preventable deaths, including those of newborns due to lack of critical care services in county hospitals. It cited 63 newborn deaths at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital, though the county disputes the figure, saying 58 deaths were recorded.