Doctors and nurses staged a walkout at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTTRH) on Monday, leaving patients stranded. The staff gathered at the administration block and said the hospital had ignored their issues with allowances, medical cover, and promotions. Dr. Vincent Oyiengo, representing KUTTRH staff, urged hospital management to address the concerns.
Many employees began working in 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a rise in patients and services, they have not received promotions or improvements in their working conditions. Dr. Oyiengo demanded that the CEO acknowledge their petition and take action to resolve the grievances.
The medics made three demands: reinstating their medical covers, disbanding the hospital’s board, and reinstating CEO Ahmed Dagane. They criticized management for poor job grade alignment and called for a human resources manual. They also demanded a clear stance on sexual harassment.
The staff had additional complaints. Some workers on contracts or locum roles were treated differently from peers with similar qualifications. This created low morale. The medics also requested a functional staff clinic, waivers for high medical bills, and clear policies on sick leave, holidays, and bereavement.
The strike followed the death of Dr. Timothy Riungu at Kenyatta National Hospital which advocates the urgent need for better working conditions.
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