Kisumu: Pregnant woman dies after being turned away from hospital amid health workers' strike

Twenty-eight-year-old Lavender Otieno died on Friday after she was reportedly turned away from a public hospital where she was due to deliver.

This comes even as Kericho County has begun the recruitment process for nurses, with the health workers' union maintaining that its members will remain on strike until their demands are met.

At Ongalo Village in Muhoroni, 29-year-old Joshua Abuor is still in shock. One week ago, his wife was excited about delivering their first child. However, their journey to the hospital, with Lavender in active labour, was cut short.

Under the cover of darkness, the 28-year-old was writhing in pain. The ongoing strike would eventually cost her life.

"We reached the gate and a security officer came to us and told us that they were not working. He told us that we knew very well that doctors were on strike. I thought they would at least examine her and help her early enough," Abuor stated.

Lavender's mother-in-law, Milka Abuor, said many families were struggling to access alternative healthcare services.

"There are people who have nothing, and when they go to the hospital and find that the doctors are not there, they are already in danger. Sometimes, someone can even collapse at the hospital gate," she stated.

Operations in public hospitals have been grounded for more than 40 days following the strike by healthcare workers.

In Kericho, a directive by Governor Eric Mutai issued on Thursday has now taken effect as the county seeks to restore operations across its health facilities.

"We were instructed to recruit nurses on a locum basis. This process will continue until Sunday, and right now we are receiving applications," Richard Langat, an administrator at Kapkatet Hospital, stated.

Residents have also appealed for an urgent resolution to the crisis.

"If there is no money, the governor should just tell us that there is no money. We love you doctors and we need you, but now you are hurting us," Ernest Korir, a Kericho resident, stated.

Health advocate Lawrence Omondi appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and bring the strike to an end.

"We are asking the President to kindly help us save our mothers and our newborns. Please let this strike come to an end," Omondi stated.

As the health workers' unions remain firm on their demands, county governments appear to have taken a hardline stance.

Millions of Kenyans are now caught in the middle, putting to the test the country's commitment to achieving universal health coverage, which is anchored on the provision of quality and timely access to healthcare services.