Patients in Machakos are bearing the brunt of a nurses’ strike, now in its sixth day as of Tuesday, with medical services remaining paralysed at key hospitals across the county.
The strike, which began last Friday, has seen nurses walk off the job, leaving patients unattended and severely disrupting medical operations. Wards at Machakos Level 5 and Kangundo Level 4 hospitals remain nearly empty as a result.
During an impromptu visit to the two facilities, Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu found patients with broken limbs and others on oxygen, struggling without medical care. She described the situation as dire and called for urgent government intervention.
“What I witnessed was heartbreaking, patients in critical condition left to fend for themselves, some discharged despite being too ill to move. I urge the county leadership to act with compassion and urgency. Let us prioritise humanity over bureaucracy and immediately engage with our nurses to find a return to work formula. Our people are suffering in hospital beds and at home. This crisis cannot wait”, she urged.
Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives KNUNM Machakos branch secretary, Michael Saka says the county has violated key agreements on promotions, salaries, and working conditions. The nurses insist they will not return to work until the county honours its commitments.
The strike is part of a nationwide walkout organised by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives.
