KNH tells non-emergency patients to seek care elsewhere amid congestion

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has directed non-emergency patients to seek treatment at alternative healthcare facilities due to the hospital's increasing patient numbers and congestion caused by health workers' industrial action. In a statement on Thursday, August 20, 2026, KNH CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe revealed that the hospital is now receiving more patients than usual, leading to longer wait times and delays in non-emergency services.

The hospital recommended that patients with non-urgent conditions should consider nearby hospitals with appropriate services to alleviate the pressure on KNH and enable prompt access to care. However, KNH reaffirmed its commitment to providing emergency and critical care services, which remain unaffected by the current disruptions.

The ongoing strike by health workers, driven by grievances such as the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), delayed promotions, salary arrears, and the employment of Universal Health Coverage workers, has resulted in disrupted health services across several counties. The Kenya National Union of Nurses has rejected calls to end the strike, insisting that negotiations addressing their concerns must take place first.

At the Kenya Health Summit, President William Ruto addressed health workers' concerns, setting a one-week deadline for the national and county governments to resolve the issues. He emphasized that delays in paying health workers' salaries are unacceptable and called for involvement of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission in discussions on unimplemented CBAs.