Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is under fire after the closure of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital following a doctors’ strike. The Informer reports that Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve has blamed Sakaja for the crisis, saying the governor forcefully took over the hospital from the national government without a proper plan.
The hospital, which was meant to offer better medical services to Nairobi residents, is now shut down because of poor management by the county government.
The doctors went on strike from February 27, 2025, citing several problems including salary delays, illegal dismissals, stalled promotions, unpaid gratuities, and delayed confirmation letters.
The Informer claims these problems have been ongoing for months, leaving many doctors frustrated. Instead of solving the issues, Sakaja’s administration has ignored their pleas, making the situation worse.
The strike has now left many patients stranded without access to medical services. MCA Munuve has criticized Sakaja for biting more than he could chew by taking over the hospital. The Informer quotes Munuve saying the governor should not have taken control of the hospital if he could not manage it. He blames the county government for failing to pay doctors on time and frustrating healthcare workers with illegal dismissals and delayed promotions.
According to Munuve, Sakaja’s administration has turned the hospital into a mess, making life harder for both doctors and patients.This also highlights how Sakaja’s leadership has been marked by reckless decisions. Munuve reminded the public how the county government recently dumped garbage at Stima Plaza and disconnected water and sewer services over a dispute with Kenya Power.
Instead of solving problems through dialogue, Sakaja has been using punitive tactics that hurt businesses and residents.
The MCA says the same approach is now being used in the health sector, showing that the governor is not capable of running the county.The closure of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital is a big blow to Nairobi residents who rely on public healthcare services.
The hospital was supposed to ease pressure on other health facilities, but under Sakaja’s leadership, it has turned into a ghost facility.
Doctors are not working, patients are not getting treatment, and the county government is doing little to address the crisis.
Sakaja’s decision to take over the hospital was supposed to improve healthcare services, but it has only brought suffering. The county government’s failure to pay doctors and promote staff has made the situation worse. Nairobians are now questioning whether Sakaja has the ability to run the county, especially when such an important facility is closed under his watch.The ongoing doctors’ strike shows that Sakaja’s leadership is failing.
