A sombre mood filled a village in Kenya’s Rift Valley as mourners, including medical interns, laid to rest 29-year-old trainee pharmacist Francis Njuki, who died by suicide. Njuki’s family revealed his frustration and exhaustion due to a four-month delay in salary payments since starting his internship in August. His suicide note cited financial struggles as a key factor in his mental health challenges.
Njuki is one of five medics in Kenya who have died by suicide in the past two months, with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) reporting an unprecedented rise in such cases. Additionally, five other attempted suicides by union members have been recorded this year.
Interns, who form a critical 30% of Kenya’s public healthcare workforce, face long working hours, low pay, and delayed salaries. Despite these challenges, they handle the bulk of patient care in public hospitals. The government recently disbursed $7.4 million to address delayed payments, but many interns still receive significantly reduced wages, sparking outrage and protests under the hashtag #PayMedicalInterns.
The systemic issues extend beyond pay delays. Interns often endure exhausting shifts, with some working up to 36 hours without adequate rest. Stressful working conditions were highlighted by the deaths of other medics, including Dr. Timothy Riungu, who collapsed after a round-the-clock shift, and Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, whose mental health deteriorated following a grueling work schedule.
The crisis has reignited debates over Kenya’s criminalisation of suicide and its inadequate mental health support. The Health Ministry has pledged workplace wellness programs, but young doctors argue systemic reform is crucial. Many are disillusioned, with some considering leaving the profession or the country entirely.
“A healthy doctor builds a healthy nation,” said one intern. “But a stressed doctor can forget basic life-saving procedures, costing lives.”
With suicide rates in Kenya estimated at 1,400 annually, critics urge the government to repeal punitive laws and address the systemic neglect of healthcare workers. Dr. Kipkoech Cheruiyot summarized the frustration, asking, “How many doctors must we bury before the government acts?”
