Njuki's death, which is believed to have been caused by work-related frustrations, has sparked outrage and concern within the medical community, with KMPDU attributing the tragedy to mounting issues faced by medical interns.
According to KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah, Njuki's death highlights a growing mental health crisis among intern doctors.
The union has pointed to delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and inadequate mental health support as the root causes of the increasing distress among medical interns.
Atellah described the situation as dire, emphasizing that these young professionals, who are committed to serving the public, are being left to suffer due to the government's failure to meet their needs.
The union also expressed disappointment over the government's failure to implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the return-to-work formula that was signed in May 2024.
The CBA had promised intern doctors a monthly salary of KSh 206,000, but instead, many are earning between KSh 47,000 and KSh 70,000, making it difficult for them to meet basic living expenses.
This salary reduction has added to the frustrations, with many interns reporting mental and emotional strain.
KMPDU Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Dennis Miskellah revealed that Njuki's death was not an isolated incident, as five other intern doctors had recently been rescued from suicide attempts.
Dr. Miskellah questioned how many more lives would be lost if the government continued to neglect the welfare of medical interns.
In light of these ongoing challenges, KMPDU has warned that if the government does not address these issues, a nationwide doctors' strike will be called.
The union is expected to issue a strike notice next week following a Special Delegates Conference in Nairobi.
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