Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has given the County Government of Kiambu seven days to resolve the ongoing doctors’ strike or face Senate action.

The strike, now in its 58th day, has paralysed public healthcare in the county, leaving hospitals deserted and thousands of patients without critical care.

In a press release issued on Thursday, July 23, 2025, the senator condemned the county’s failure to meet doctors’ demands, which include unpaid salary arrears, delayed promotions, inadequate medical insurance, and poor working conditions.

The strike, spearheaded by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), has drawn national concern amid reports of deteriorating hospital operations and mass staff burnout.

Karungo described the situation as “unconscionable”, questioning how a county as resourceful as Kiambu continues to boast about revenue collection while failing to reinvest in essential health services and workforce welfare.

“It is unacceptable that public hospitals remain empty, patients suffer unattended, and frontline medics are left pleading for their rights,” read the post on his X. “The lives of our people must not be held hostage by bureaucratic indifference or political pride.”

System under strain

The senator’s remarks come as the healthcare crisis in Kiambu continues to worsen. Public facilities are reportedly operating on a skeleton staff, and over 150 medical interns have been left vulnerable without proper supervision. KMPDU has accused the county of defying court orders and failing to honour a return-to-work agreement signed on May 8, 2025.

Union officials say interns are being forced to perform duties beyond their training, putting both their careers and patients’ lives at risk. They have called for the immediate redeployment of the interns to counties with functional health systems, warning that Kiambu’s healthcare structure is collapsing.

The impact has been severe, with reports of staff burnout, rising resignations, and even substance abuse among healthcare workers overwhelmed by the deteriorating conditions. KMPDU insists that unless urgent reforms are enacted, the system could reach a point of no return.

Senate action looms

In his statement, Senator Karungo aligned himself with the striking doctors and expressed full support for their cause. He urged the county administration, under Governor Kimani Wamatangi, to act immediately and resolve the dispute.

“I stand in full solidarity with the healthcare workers whose legitimate concerns remain unmet,” Karungo stated. “If the county fails to take action within seven days, I will table a motion in the Senate to summon the governor and other relevant officials to answer for this gross neglect.”

The senator’s tough stance has resonated with many Kiambu residents, who have taken to social media to demand accountability and a quick resolution. Karungo reiterated his position, stating, “We cannot continue to boast of revenue collection while healthcare collapses. Our people deserve better.”

As the deadline nears, pressure continues to mount on the county government to engage KMPDU and restore essential services. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the crisis will ease—or deepen further.