Silent Wards, Stranded Patients: KNH Strike Exposes Deep Cracks in Kenya’s Health System

Operations at Kenyatta National Hospital were thrown into chaos on Monday after nurses went on strike, leaving patients stranded and critical services disrupted. What is usually a lifeline for thousands turned into a scene of uncertainty, as wards slowed and queues grew longer.

Nurses say the strike is not sudden. It has been building over time. Their grievances go beyond pay. They point to delayed statutory deductions, poor medical cover, and overwhelming workloads. One representative painted a worrying picture. “We have a medical cover, but when a nurse is sick… medicine is missing,” they said, adding that many are forced to pay out of pocket.

Financial strain is also a key issue. Nurses claim delays in remitting deductions have affected their ability to manage loans and personal finances. Some say their salaries are processed, but not fully accessible due to pending remittances. This has added to frustration among staff.

Staff shortages have made matters worse. Nurses say they are overstretched and overwhelmed. “We have been overwhelmed by work. The workload is too much compared to our numbers,” the representative said. According to them, the hospital has about 2,300 nurses, far below the required number.

The pressure is intensified by patient overflow. Frequent strikes in neighbouring counties push more patients to KNH. This increases congestion and stretches already limited resources. Nurses also note that minor cases often crowd the facility, delaying care for critical patients.

Hospital management has responded, saying salaries have been paid up to March 2026. It attributes delays in remittances to broader health financing systems and cash flow cycles. Officials insist discussions are ongoing to resolve the issues through dialogue.

Despite these assurances, nurses remain firm. They say the problems are unresolved and warn the strike could continue. For patients, the impact is immediate and painful.

The situation now highlights deeper cracks in Kenya’s public healthcare system. The outcome of ongoing talks will determine whether normal services resume or the crisis deepens.