Over 100 Newborn Deaths Reported in Kiambu During Doctors’ Strike

At least 136 infants and five mothers have died in Kiambu County hospitals since the doctors’ strike began five months ago, according to internal hospital data.

Between May and August, Kiambu Level 5 Hospital reported 68 infant deaths, while Thika Level 5 Hospital recorded 34 neonatal deaths in September alone. Additional maternal deaths were recorded at Kihara, Ruiru, and both Kiambu Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals. Medical unions have warned that the crisis is worsening, citing the lack of qualified personnel in neonatal units. 

Dr James Githinji, Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in Kiambu Central, said that clinical officer interns have been left to manage newborn care without adequate training. The situation has been aggravated by the Ministry of Health’s withdrawal of 697 interns nationwide.

“The situation is dire,” said Dr Githinji. “In September alone, more than 50 babies died in just two hospitals. The withdrawal of interns will only deepen the strain on already overstretched units.”

To address the staffing shortage, the county recently hired 78 new doctors. However, union officials argue that many of the recruits lack the expertise required to handle neonatal emergencies. Persistent shortages of paediatricians, essential drugs, and delayed treatment have all been cited as contributing factors to the increasing death toll.

Dr Davji Atellah, Secretary-General of KMPDU, said most of the deaths were caused by preventable conditions, including neonatal sepsis, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and complications from premature birth. He also pointed to systemic issues such as poor hygiene in health facilities and the inability of many families to access private care.

The strike has also highlighted broader administrative challenges within the county’s health sector. Doctors cite months of unpaid salaries, stalled promotions, and irregular transfers as key grievances. Newly hired doctors have also reportedly gone unpaid since August. 

Union leaders have accused Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration of failing to engage constructively with healthcare workers and of trying to silence union activity. The Health Union Caucus, a coalition of eight unions, has announced plans for a coordinated strike next week, citing wage arrears and unremitted union dues amounting to Sh10 million. 

The planned action is expected to further disrupt healthcare services in the county.

In response, Dr Patrick Nyagah, Kiambu’s Chief Officer for Health Services, said that the county’s 123 public health facilities remain operational and that patient numbers have remained stable. He reported that 145 doctors have been hired and nearly 90 have resumed duty, bringing the total number of active doctors to around 300.

Dr Nyagah also noted that Kiambu’s health system is under pressure from an influx of patients from surrounding counties, with outpatient visits exceeding 5.6 million annually, more than double the county’s population. He said that talks with KMPDU are ongoing but claimed the union is exaggerating the situation to attract attention.