Kakamega’s Health Crisis Spirals Out of Control as Doctors Stage Mass Walkout—Patients Left Stranded!
KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Chaos has gripped Kakamega County’s healthcare system as public hospitals plunged into disarray following a massive doctors’ strike that has left thousands without medical attention. The crisis, which erupted yesterday, includes even temporary contract doctors, crippling operations in nearly every public facility.
Hospitals Deserted – Patients Turned Away in Agony!
At the heart of the meltdown, Kakamega County General Hospital—normally a lifeline for hundreds daily—resembled a ghost town. With not a single doctor in sight, desperate patients were forced to flee to costly private clinics or simply go untreated.
“I brought my brother for treatment. He’s in pain, but there’s no doctor to help. We had no choice but to go home,” said a distraught Peter Ajevi. “The county government is playing with our lives!”
Shock for Patients—No Warning, No Doctors, No Help
Anne Khasoha, who traveled all the way from Shinyalu for a scheduled check-up, was stunned to find herself abandoned without care.
“I had no idea there was a strike. A nurse just told me the doctors had walked out. What do I do now—self-medicate until I collapse?” she cried out. “This is a life-or-death matter. Where is the government?”
7 Years of Broken Promises—Doctors Say ‘Enough Is Enough’
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has come out swinging, accusing the Kakamega County Government of seven years of betrayal. At a heated meeting in Kakamega on Saturday, KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah didn’t hold back.
“Seven years without promotions. No statutory payments. Doctors stuck in degrading locum contracts. No health insurance. This is inhumane!” he declared.
Worsening Nightmare: Doctors Resigning, Patients Suffering
Dr. Atellah warned that the system is collapsing fast—over 11 doctors have already resigned, citing lack of drugs, dysfunctional emergency units, and unbearable conditions.
“This isn’t just a strike. It’s a cry for justice. We won’t stop until the county honors the 2017 CBA and restores dignity to the medical profession,” he emphasized.
County Governments Under Fire—18 Counties in Hot Water
KMPDU says Kakamega isn’t alone—18 counties are currently under scrutiny for violating labor agreements. But the situation in Kakamega stands out as particularly dire.
“Some counties are fixing the mess—Bungoma is making moves. But Kakamega? It’s a disaster,” said Dr. Atellah.
Doctors Stand Firm: ‘We Will Not Back Down’
Western Branch Secretary Sande Charo confirmed total unity among medical professionals: “We’re not budging. This fight is about respect, rights, and saving lives.”
As the union heads toward its national delegates conference, a warning has been issued: counties that continue to defy agreements will face relentless industrial actions.
Meanwhile, Kakamega’s silence is deafening. County Secretary Lawrence Omuhaka has remained unreachable—no calls answered, no messages returned, and no public statement issued. As hospitals shut down and pain levels rise, the question remains:
Who will save Kakamega from this healthcare catastrophe?
