EMBU, Kenya – Residents of Embu County are breathing a sigh of relief following the end of a two-week doctors’ strike that had crippled healthcare services across the county, leaving many patients without critical medical attention.
The strike was part of a series of industrial actions by medical practitioners in Embu, who accused the county government of making unfulfilled promises for over three years.
Their grievances included low wages, delayed promotions, and failure to remit statutory deductions.
Speaking during the official opening of a new Accident and Emergency Centre at Embu Level 5 Hospital, Governor Cecily Mbarire welcomed the return of doctors to work, terming the move a fresh beginning for the county’s healthcare system.
“The calling off of this strike marks a new dawn for the people of Embu and our neighbouring counties. Our residents can now access the medical services they desperately need,” said Mbarire.
The governor also lauded the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) for partnering with the county government to construct and equip the modern emergency facility.
“We are grateful to the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation for standing with us to deliver this vital facility, which will greatly strengthen emergency response in our county,” she added.
Governor Mbarire noted that the new Accident and Emergency Centre comes at a critical time when emergency cases have been on the rise in Embu County, saying the facility will significantly ease pressure at the referral hospital.
“This centre is timely and strategic. With the increasing number of emergency cases, it will enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes at Embu Level 5 Hospital,” she said.
Embu Level 5 Hospital CEO Bancy Mutua also welcomed the end of the strike, urging continued collaboration between medics and the county government to improve service delivery.
She noted that the new emergency centre, which has a bed capacity of 13, will improve working conditions for healthcare workers.
“We thank our doctors for resuming duty and encouraged continued dialogue. This new facility will make work easier for our medics and improve emergency care for our patients,” Mutuah said.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah thanked doctors for ending the strike, reminding them of their responsibility to save lives.
He also acknowledged the county government’s efforts in addressing the doctors’ concerns.
“Dialogue remains the best path to resolving disputes. We commend our members for putting patients first and appreciate the county government for listening and acting on our concerns,” said Dr. Miskellah.
Dr. Miskellah further praised the county for investing in the new Accident and Emergency Centre, saying it will boost efficiency and save lives.
“This facility will greatly ease operations at Embu Level 5 Hospital and ultimately contribute to saving more lives,” he added.
For two weeks, medics in Embu had downed their tools over poor pay, with some earning as little as Kshs. 7,000, stalled promotions, and failure by the county to remit statutory deductions.
