KISUMU, Kenya — An ongoing strike by medical workers across Kenya has been linked to the death of a 28-year-old woman in Kisumu County after she was reportedly turned away from a public hospital while in labour.
Lavender Otieno died on Friday after she and her husband, Joshua Abuor, sought medical assistance as she prepared to deliver their first child.
According to Abuor, the couple arrived at the hospital during the night, with Lavender already in active labour, but were informed by a security officer that medical services were unavailable because of the ongoing strike.
“We reached the gate and a security officer came to us and told us that they were not working. He told us that we knew very well that doctors were on strike. I thought they would at least examine her and help her early enough,” Abuor stated.
The death has renewed concerns over the impact of the prolonged industrial action on patients, particularly pregnant women and other people requiring urgent medical attention.
Lavender’s mother-in-law, Milka Abuor, said families without financial means were particularly vulnerable because they could not easily seek alternative medical services.
“There are people who have nothing, and when they go to the hospital and find that the doctors are not there, they are already in danger. Sometimes, someone can even collapse at the hospital gate,” she stated.
Public hospitals have remained severely disrupted for more than 40 days as healthcare workers continue their strike over their grievances.
Kericho Recruits Nurses Amid Strike
Meanwhile, Kericho County has begun recruiting nurses on a locum basis as it seeks to restore services at public health facilities.
The recruitment follows a directive issued by Governor Eric Mutai on Thursday, with applications expected to continue until Sunday.
Richard Langat, an administrator at Kapkatet Hospital, said the county was implementing the directive to ensure patients continue receiving essential services.
“We were instructed to recruit nurses on a locum basis. This process will continue until Sunday, and right now we are receiving applications,” Langat stated.
Residents have called for an urgent resolution to the dispute, saying ordinary Kenyans are bearing the greatest burden of the prolonged strike.
“If there is no money, the governor should just tell us that there is no money. We love you doctors and we need you, but now you are hurting us,” Kericho resident Ernest Korir stated.
Health advocate Lawrence Omondi has appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and help end the stalemate between the government and healthcare workers.
“We are asking the President to kindly help us save our mothers and our newborns. Please let this strike come to an end,” Omondi stated.
As healthcare workers remain firm in their demands and county governments explore alternative measures to keep facilities running, millions of Kenyans continue to face difficulties accessing public healthcare.
The situation has intensified calls for the government and health workers’ unions to reach an agreement and restore full services, particularly for patients requiring emergency and maternity care.
