Healthcare services grind to a halt as clinical officers down their tools

Mbagathi County Hospital during the ongoing go slow strike by doctors on March 18, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Kenya’s healthcare system ground to a near halt yesterday as clinical officers across the country commenced a nationwide strike, leaving thousands of patients stranded after the expiry of a 21-day strike notice issued on December 3.

The industrial action, which began at midnight on Monday, has severely limited services across Levels 2 to Level 5 public hospitals, affecting maternal care, emergency services, routine outpatient consultations and disease control programmes.