Nurses' strike cripples Kakamega hospital

Kakamega County Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale and the National Nurses Association of Kenya Secretary General Seth Panyako address striking nurses outside Kakamega County headquarters on September 9. 2016. Nurses were demanding employment on permanent and pensionable terms, better working environment and promotions. PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD

A week-long strike by nurses concerning promotions and employment terms has paralysed health services in Kakamega, forcing patients to travel long distances in search of medical services from private hospitals and the neighbouring Bungoma and Vihiga counties.

Although the county allocates at least 30 per cent of its budget towards health, the sector has had its share of challenges including low bed capacity. The 500-bed hospital has been unable to handle swelling numbers of patients admitted in general wards.