Kwale Doctors’ strike continues amid chaos, unpaid salaries, and deteriorating healthcare services

By Caroline Katana

Tension flared outside Msambweni County Referral Hospital on Tuesday morning as doctors staging a peaceful press briefing were forcibly dispersed by individuals believed to be hired goons — a move the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Coast region has strongly condemned.

According to the doctors, the group — led by a woman identified as Asha Makei, popularly known as “Mama Miraa,”—interrupted their media engagement, hurling accusations and insisting that the medics had no right to strike.

 “We are the ones who gave them these jobs, and we are the patients. If they can’t work, they should resign. We have children with qualifications but no jobs while doctors are playing around with theirs,” Makei shouted, claiming the doctors were too busy with their private clinics allegedly stocked with drugs from public hospitals.

Mohamed Ali Maingu echoed the same sentiments, urging the doctors to accept the country’s economic realities or leave Kwale County altogether.

Crowd outside Msambweni Referral Hospital

But KMPDU officials and affected doctors have denounced the intimidation, blaming the county administration for what they call deliberate provocation meant to derail their legitimate grievances.

 “I parked inside the hospital compound only to be told by county enforcement officers that we were no longer allowed in. Moments later, goons holding branches, some on motorcycles, showed up. Shortly after, the police surrounded the entire gate,” narrated Dr. Melaki Boi Juma, a senior pathologist.

She said that despite years of service and sacrifice, their efforts have gone unrecognized and unappreciated.

Goons at the Hospital Gates

KMPDU Coast Region Organizing Secretary Dr. Stephen Walunya expressed outrage at the actions witnessed in Msambweni.

“Today’s humiliation is unprecedented. We have never seen anything like this. The strike will continue until our demands are met. The county government has issued countless empty promises over the years,” he said.

KMPDU coast organizing secretary Dr.Stephen Walunya

Dr. Hassan Ahmed Mkuche highlighted their plight, particularly the poor remuneration despite their high level of training.

 “We studied for over 11 years. Some of us are specialists, but we’re being paid like entry-level doctors. Salary delays and lack of arrears pay have persisted since 2020. Now it’s worse,” Dr. Hassan said. “Doctors can’t pay bills, school fees, or even afford food. Families are breaking apart.”

He also revealed that many of them are suffering from mental stress, worsened by being overworked and denied leave.

 “For three years, I haven’t gone on leave. You’re expected to be available day and night as the only specialist. The exhaustion is unbearable, and the money doesn’t come. We’ve reached a point where, as the saying goes, ‘You have to put your foot down’ to get what you deserve.”


Strike Worsens Healthcare Crisis in Kwale

Currently, no doctors are offering services in all major public hospitals in Kwale County. The strike, which began after a 21-day strike notice expired without response, has entered its second day.

KMPDU Coast Chairperson Dr. Niko Gichana described the incident as tragic.

 “Imagine fearing for your life just because you’re demanding your salary. That’s unacceptable. And people still expect you to go back to work without pay, without insurance. Then you meet hired goons chanting ‘doctor go!’—it’s heartbreaking,” he said.

Dr. Gichana called on Governor Fatuma Achani to address the matter urgently.

 “We are professionals. We don’t fight in the streets. These are medics—people who save lives. But how can they work without salaries? Even the Employment and Labour Relations Act is clear on this,” he said.

KMPDU Coast chairman, Dr.Niko Gichana 

He added that doctors are ready to meet the county leadership anytime — even at midnight — to resolve the crisis.

 “Governor Achani, we appeal to your humanity. This strike is now in its second day, and if unresolved, it will have devastating consequences,” he warned.


Healthcare System Under Strain

According to Dr. Gichana, the situation in Kwale is dire. The county has only 84 doctors, which is far below the required ratio compared to the population.

“Msambweni Referral Hospital should have at least 53 doctors, but it only has 18. Kwale Hospital has just four qualified doctors. There are delays in surgeries due to lack of equipment, and there’s only two functioning operating room,” he said.


Other grievances include delayed June salaries, lack of promotions, inability to pursue further studies, and denial of medical insurance under the SHA scheme.

“We engaged the county multiple times. We only asked for written confirmation of their promises, but it never came. Even May’s salary came late, on June 18, and it was too little,” said Dr. Gichana.

Residents Back the Doctors

Bodaboda riders from Kisimachande in Msambweni, led by Athman Mwandemba, have thrown their weight behind the doctors.

 “We support the doctors. They must be paid so that services resume,” said Mwandemba, whose sentiments were echoed by local resident Emma Mwangi.
“Doctors can’t work if they’re emotionally distressed,” she added.

Mwandemba further criticized the lack of essential medical supplies and diagnostic equipment at the county referral hospital, forcing patients to seek services in private facilities.

 “Even the hospital environment itself is not conducive for patients,” said Mwangi,

Mwandemba urged youth not to be misused politically to misrepresent the medics.

County Health Department Responds

Kwale County Health Executive Francis Gwama confirmed the strike but insisted that health services were still running.

 “The county has deployed clinical officers to offer services in wards and other departments,” he said, urging residents not to panic and to continue seeking care at public hospitals.

Gwama also provided his direct phone number—0722 537263—for anyone who fails to receive services, adding that dialogue with doctors is ongoing and an amicable solution will be reached.

Kwale Count CECM in charge of health, Francis Gwama

Years of Unfulfilled Promises

Doctors say their struggle began during the tenure of former Governor Salim Mvurya (2013–2022), when their grievances were first raised. In early 2024, they held fresh talks with the current administration, leading to promises that remain unfulfilled.

 “We gave them a 21-day strike notice. The current financial year ended on Monday and doctors are being told to wait again — its deception. They work for two years straight without leave due to staff shortages. SHA medical cover is non-existent. When one falls sick, fellow doctors fundraise for them,” said Dr. Gichana.

He is now calling on Kwale residents to urge their elected leaders to intervene before the situation escalates into a full-blown healthcare disaster.

“This is a crisis. People could die. We’re pleading with residents to talk to their MPs and MCAs to push Governor Achani to act. The time for empty promises is over,” he concluded.