Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Murang’a Level 5 Hospital are grappling with a surge in patient numbers as the ongoing doctors’ strike in Nairobi and Kiambu counties continues to cripple public healthcare services.
Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, Acting CEO of KNH, said the hospital is operating beyond capacity, particularly in critical departments such as maternity and emergency care.
“Kenyatta National Hospital is witnessing an overwhelming increase in patients seeking care following the industrial action. With most public facilities in Nairobi and Kiambu unable to function fully, KNH has become the main referral point,” said Dr. Lesiyampe.
He noted that the maternal health unit is especially strained, handling nearly three times its intended capacity. Delays in care have resulted in poor outcomes for some mothers and newborns.
“The maternity department has been hardest hit. Sadly, some mothers and babies are arriving too late, and a few have experienced complications despite the best efforts of our teams,” he added.
Essential services such as operating theatres, the blood bank, and diagnostic departments are also under significant strain.
In Murang’a, Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed that Murang’a Level 5 Hospital is now attending to 1,500–2,000 outpatients daily, with over 500 inpatients. He attributed the surge partly to recent hospital infrastructure expansions.
“We urge residents to also seek services at nearby facilities like Muriranjas Hospital and Mukuyu Dispensary, which now have additional resources,” said Kang’ata in a press release.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in Kiambu after several Members of Parliament accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi of failing to address the healthcare crisis. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called on the national government to intervene, reporting 136 deaths allegedly linked to the strike.
Governor Wamatangi has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
“Our hospitals are functional. My administration has significantly improved healthcare in the last three years, despite efforts by some politicians to discredit our progress,” he stated.
Dr. Lesiyampe has urged striking doctors and government officials to resolve the impasse urgently to restore normalcy in affected counties.
– By Timon Otieno
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