Nairobi Hospital Lays Off 100 Striking Doctors Amid Nationwide Protests for Better Conditions

Kenya's capital faces a healthcare deadlock as Kenyatta University Referral Hospital terminates 100 protesting doctors amid a persistent nationwide strike. The situation exacerbates as President William Ruto claims the government's inability to meet the doctors' demands due to financial constraints. Despite the dire circumstances, the doctors' union remains resolute, urging parliamentary intervention.

Lingering Healthcare Woes

The current standoff reflects a recurrent issue in Kenyan healthcare, as doctors repeatedly engage in industrial action to protest inadequate remuneration and working conditions. The unresolved grievances have not only led to prolonged strikes but also a previous 100-day standstill in 2017, resulting in fatal consequences due to the lack of medical attention. Moreover, the doctors argue that the government has failed to fully implement the terms agreed upon to end the previous strike, further fueling their discontent.