LOBBY GROUP ASKS DOCTORS' TO END STRIKE AMID HEALTHCARE CRISIS

By James Mutua


 Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya (NCD)  during a presser in Nairobi on Tuesday. NCD Alliance Kenya has implored the Government of Kenya and the KMPDU to prioritize the welfare of patients and heed the urgent call to end the doctor's strike.


NAIROBI, KENYA, April 23, 2024 - The healthcare crisis in Kenya deepens as the nation grapples with the ongoing doctor's strike, now entering its sixth week. The strike, orchestrated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), has precipitated a dire situation, prompting urgent calls for resolution from the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya (NCD Alliance Kenya) and concerned citizens alike.

Essential healthcare services have been severely compromised since the commencement of the strike, resulting in devastating consequences for patients nationwide. Tragically, a recent incident in Isiolo claimed the life of a child due to complications from diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for action. This loss is emblematic of the broader impact felt by individuals suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a demographic already burdened by significant health challenges in Kenya.

NCD's currently account for a substantial portion of hospital admissions, deaths, and overall mortality rates in the country. With 50% of hospital admissions, 55% of hospital deaths, and 33% of total deaths attributed to NCD's, the ongoing strike exacerbates an already precarious situation, particularly for patients requiring consistent medical attention for chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

John Gikonyo, Board Vice-Chair at NCD Alliance Kenya, emphasized the grave threat posed by the continuation of the strike, underscoring the critical need for a resolution to safeguard the health and well-being of patients. Evans Majau, a parent of a child living with rheumatic heart disease, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the immediate need for both the Government of Kenya and the KMPDU to prioritize the welfare of patients and engage in constructive dialogue.

Dr. Catherine Karekezi, Executive Director at NCD Alliance Kenya, urged all stakeholders to demonstrate leadership, compassion, and accountability in addressing the healthcare crisis, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure access to essential medical services for all Kenyan citizens.

The NCD Alliance Kenya implores both the Government of Kenya and the KMPDU to heed the urgent call to end the doctor's strike and prioritize the welfare of patients above all else.

NCD Alliance Kenya serves as the national umbrella organization for all entities involved in advocacy, prevention, control, and care for individuals affected by non-communicable diseases in Kenya. Committed to improving healthcare outcomes and promoting the well-being of those at risk of or living with NCDs, the alliance plays a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by these conditions within the Kenyan healthcare landscape.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HRMPEB Certifies Record 1,130 New HR Professionals, Marking a Defining Moment for Kenya’s Workforce

Image
Reporting by Jameson Mutua  Nairobi, October 24, 2025 — Kenya’s Human Resource profession reached a historic milestone on Friday as the Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB) certified its largest cohort to date, 1,130 new Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRPs). The landmark event, held at Jamhuri Park along Ngong Road, was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a powerful testament to dedication, resilience, and professional excellence. Speaking during the ceremony, officials emphasized that the certification marks more than just numbers; it symbolizes the growth of a profession that sits at the heart of organizational transformation. Each newly certified professional, they noted, represents countless hours of study, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to advancing people management in Kenya. This year’s cohort represents a significant increase from 708 graduates in 2024, underscoring the rising confidence in the CH...
Read more

What President William Samoei Ruto said was not reckless. It was responsible. It was lawful. It was necessary

Image
  When the President said police should shoot in the leg, rush the terrorism suspect to hospital, then take them to court — he was not calling for extra-judicial killings. He was simply restating what the law already provides. Section 61 of the National Police Service Act gives officers the power to use reasonable and proportional force — including their firearms — to protect life and property. Those guns, bought with our taxes, are not ceremonial ornaments. They are tools of law enforcement — and when life, public safety or national stability is under threat, the police must not hesitate to use them appropriately. If a terrorist tries to burn down a police station or a looter attempts to torch a market or hospital — the police have a duty to act swiftly, firmly and lawfully. To disable, not to execute. To preserve life, not take it. But also, to protect innocent citizens, not watch helplessly. When a bullet departs the barrel of a gun, death , even though unintended, is one of the...
Read more

Journalists Assaulted During Chaotic DCP Party Launch in Nairobi

Image
  By East Africa Times Reporter   What was meant to be a political milestone quickly descended into disgrace and violence on Thursday, as the launch of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Nairobi turned chaotic and hostile, leaving at least two journalists assaulted and media equipment destroyed. Held along Musa Gitau Road, the event was marred by disorder, poor planning, and total disregard for safety and press freedom. Eyewitnesses say the violence broke out when unidentified individuals forced their way into the venue, leading to a stampede-like situation. Hired private security and bouncers retreated by firing gunshots in the air to control the goons. In the mayhem, the bouncers turned their aggression toward journalists, physically attacking them and forcing them to delete footage documenting the chaos. Two major media houses reportedly suffered equipment damage, further highlighting the reckless and lawless nature of the gathering. Shockingly, there was no police p...
Read more