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A somber atmosphere enveloped a village in Kenya’s Rift Valley last week as medical interns joined mourners at the burial of Francis Njuki, a 29-year-old trainee pharmacist who died by suicide. Njuki’s family shared that he had been battling exhaustion and depression, exacerbated by a four-month delay in his government salary since starting his internship in August.
His death marks the fifth suicide among medical practitioners in Kenya in the past two months, according to Dr. Davji Atellah, secretary of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU). Additionally, there have been five reported suicide attempts by union members this year—a stark statistic the union had never encountered before.
Unpaid Salaries and Overwork
Njuki was interning at a public hospital in Thika, near Nairobi, when he took his life. In his suicide note, he cited financial struggles caused by unpaid wages as a factor that worsened his mental health.
Interns, who constitute about 30% of doctors in Kenya’s public health sector, are integral to the system, performing most patient care under supervision. Despite their workload—sometimes enduring 36-hour shifts—interns have faced delayed payments and proposed salary cuts.
The government recently released $7.4 million to pay over 1,200 interns after mounting pressure and strike threats. However, the payments have been described as inadequate, with interns calling them “peanuts” compared to the demands of the job.
Rising Mental Health Concerns
Njuki’s case is not isolated. Last month, Dr. Timothy Riungu, a pediatrician at Kenyatta National Hospital, died at home after working a round-the-clock shift. His family reported he had not taken leave in two years. A post-mortem revealed he had died from hypoglycemia after going more than 48 hours without food.
In September, 27-year-old intern Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi died by suicide after a grueling 36-hour shift at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital. Her colleagues said she struggled to pay rent and bills. Other recent cases include interns and medical students overwhelmed by financial and workplace pressures.
Dr. Muinde Nthusi, chair of KMPDU’s Internship Liaison Committee, attributes these tragedies to financial hardships and a toxic work environment.
Calls for Change
The ongoing crisis has galvanized young doctors, who are using platforms like X (formerly Twitter) under the hashtag #PayMedicalInterns to demand better working conditions and timely salaries. Last week, interns marched to the Ministry of Health offices in Nairobi to voice their frustrations.
“Our doctors and nurses shoulder the weight of a broken system, yet their cries are drowned by the greed of those in power,” posted Dr. Kipkoech Cheruiyot.
KMPDU has also issued a 21-day strike notice, accusing the government of reneging on agreements to improve pay and conditions.
Government Response
Health Minister Deborah Barasa has acknowledged the growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, describing the suicides as “a stark reminder of the silent struggles” many endure. She announced plans to implement nationwide workplace mental wellness programs to support healthcare workers.
Despite these promises, many young doctors remain disillusioned. A trainee at Mbagathi Hospital said, “The government is doing everything to kill my zeal and undermine my oath of service.”
Broader Challenges
Kenya’s healthcare system is grappling with long-standing issues, including underfunding, staff shortages, and low morale. Medical experts have highlighted “moral injury,” where doctors feel psychological trauma from being unable to provide adequate care under constrained conditions.
Additionally, medical schools often fail to prepare students for the mental health challenges they may face in the field. This, combined with inadequate pay, creates a perfect storm for burnout and despair.
A Call to Action
Doctors and advocates warn that the ongoing neglect of healthcare workers’ welfare poses a broader public health risk. “A healthy doctor builds a healthy nation. When I am stressed or depressed as a doctor, I might even forget how to perform resuscitation on a patient,” said one intern.
The KMPDU and mental health experts are urging the government to prioritize the well-being of healthcare workers before more lives are lost.
“How many doctors are we going to bury for the government to act?” asked Dr. Adow.
Kenya’s National Bureau of Statistics estimates 1,400 suicides annually, though the real number may be higher. Suicide remains criminalized in Kenya, a law widely criticized for further stigmatizing mental health and discouraging individuals from seeking help.
For Kenya’s healthcare system to thrive, experts and advocates stress the need for systemic reforms—timely pay, better working conditions, and robust mental health support for its front-line workers.
