Kenya's healthcare system remains under strain as the ongoing doctors' strike reaches its fourth week.

The dispute centres on compensation and working conditions for medical professionals, with no clear resolution in sight.

President William Ruto addressed the nation on Sunday, acknowledging the doctors' grievances but emphasizing the government's financial constraints.

"The resources we have are only sufficient to pay Sh70,000 for intern doctors," he stated, referring to the proposed stipend for a one-year period.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), representing the striking doctors, demands include proper job placement for interns, salary increases, health insurance coverage, funding for postgraduate training, and employment opportunities for over 50,000 unemployed doctors.

Read More

  1. Ruto unveils Taifa Care under SHA to advance UHC, to settle hospital debts
  2. All macroeconomic indicators point to a positive turnaround - President Ruto
  3. Ruto cancels Adani's Sh334 billion JKIA and KETRACO deals over US indictments

The nationwide strike has brought healthcare services to a near standstill, causing significant hardship for many Kenyans.

Previously silent on the issue, Ruto pledged the government's appreciation for medical professionals' dedication. However, he stressed the need for fiscal responsibility.

"As a nation, we must agree that we must live within our means," he declared, noting that the country could not spend money it does not have.

The President assured the nation that his administration possesses the resources to absorb all 1,500 intern doctors at the offered stipend.

Ruto called for open dialogue to address the country's challenges, vowing to personally lead the effort.

Whether this translates to a solution for the ongoing strike remains to be seen.

With both sides holding firm, the health crisis in Kenya is likely to continue in the immediate future.