The healthcare system in Machakos County is teetering on the brink of a shutdown as nurses threaten to strike in three weeks over intolerable working conditions and systemic neglect.
Led by Michael Saka, the Kenya Union of Nurses has issued a 21-day strike notice, citing severe understaffing, a lack of essential medical supplies, and the non-implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
According to Saka, these issues have severely hampered the functionality of hospitals across the county ranging from level 5 to level 2 hospitals.
The Machakos Level Five Hospital is at the center of the crisis. Patients now rely on their families for food, as the hospital can no longer provide meals.
“Our hospital has been reduced to a kiosk,” Saka lamented, underscoring the extent of the neglect.
In a stern message to neighboring counties that depend on Machakos’ healthcare services, Saka announced that starting July 24, operations will cease unless their demands are met.
“From July 24, expect a total shutdown. We will not continue under these horrendous conditions unless our arrears are paid and our concerns addressed,” he warned.
The nurses are demanding immediate intervention from Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Health CECM Dr. Daniel Yumbya.
“We need more staff, the signing and implementation of our CBA, and the restoration of basic services at Machakos Level Five. This is a matter of urgency,” Saka stated.
