The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) is calling for the urgent closure of 13 public hospitals in Kiambu County, citing unsafe working conditions and lack of proper supervision for medical interns. This demand comes as the nationwide doctors’ strike enters its 71st day, intensifying a growing healthcare crisis in the region.
In a letter dated August 4, 2025, addressed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) CEO David Kariuki, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah raised alarm over what he described as “compromised patient safety” and “neglect of intern training.”
Dr. Atellah reported that the affected hospitals are operating without qualified consultants, leaving interns, some newly posted, without critical oversight across key departments such as paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and internal medicine.
“Interns are being deployed without adequate mentorship or assessment, yet these are requirements for certification,” said Atellah.
Among the facilities flagged for immediate closure are:
Kiambu Level 5
Thika Level 5
Gatundu Level 5
Tigoni Level 4
Ruiru Level 4
Igegania Level 4
Kihara Level 4
Wangige Level 4
Lari Level 4
Lusigetti Level 4
Karuri Level 4
Gachororo Level 4
Githunguri Level 4
At Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, intern doctors officially withdrew their services after just two weeks, citing “unsafe and unsupported” conditions. In a letter to the medical superintendent and internship coordinator, the interns said they had been left to work in high-risk departments without guidance from senior doctors.
They have since suspended their duties and requested that the time already served be recorded in their internship logbooks as required by KMPDC. They also asked to resume their four mandatory rotations starting with psychiatry once the strike is resolved.
At Ruiru Level 4 Hospital, medical officers echoed similar concerns. They warned that the absence of surgical consultants has created serious risks in the theatre, endangering both patients and medical staff.
KMPDU has now urged the Ministry of Health and the KMPDC to take immediate action, including relocating interns to counties with functional healthcare systems and sufficient supervision.
“If these issues aren’t addressed, we risk permanently damaging both patient safety and the integrity of the internship programme,” warned Atellah.
The strike, which began over issues related to pay, posting, and working conditions, has crippled essential services in several counties, with Kiambu now under intense spotlight.
 is calling for the urgent closure of 13 public hospitals in Kiambu County, citing unsafe working conditions and lack of proper supervision for medical interns. This demand comes as the nationwide doctors’ strike enters its 71st day, intensifying a growing healthcare crisis in the region.){kind=link}