Why Kenyan Medical Interns Are Taking Their Own Lives

The recent death of Francis Njuki, a 29-year-old trainee pharmacist from Kenya’s Rift Valley, has prompted widespread mourning and raised critical awareness about the intense stress and challenges confronting medical interns in the country.

Njuki, who was interning at a public hospital in Thika, succumbed to apparent mental health struggles exacerbated by financial hardships and work-related pressures, marking at least the fifth death among medical professionals in the past two months. This is according to a report by Dr. Davji Atellah of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU). Njuki’s family reveals that he had been grappling with hallucinations and depression, significantly worsened by a four-month salary delay.

Despite undergoing treatment, the financial strain of being unpaid since the start of his mandatory year-long internship in August proved overwhelming. Medical interns, representing roughly 30% of the workforce in public hospitals, frequently endure gruelling hours—sometimes as long as 36 consecutive hours—while facing immense pressure to provide essential healthcare services.

The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing government financial constraints, which have led to proposals for drastic salary reductions from $1,600 to $540 per month. Such measures have incited heightened dissatisfaction among medical interns, leading to threats of strikes and demands for improved working conditions. The case of Dr Timothy Riungu, a paediatrician at Kenyatta National Hospital, highlights the severe exhaustion many medical practitioners encounter.

Dr. Riungu, who had not taken leave for two years, tragically died from hypoglycemia following an exhaustive shift. His death is similar to that of Dr Desree Moraa Obwogi who took her own life after a demanding 36-hour duty, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform within Kenya’s healthcare environment. Though the government has allocated $7.4 million to address overdue salaries for over 1,200 interns, many doctors continue to face acute financial difficulties and a worsening work atmosphere.

The KMPDU has issued a 21-day strike notice, advocating for immediate reforms in pay and working conditions. The movement has gained traction on social media under the hashtag #PayMedicalInterns, reflecting the escalating urgency of the situation. Health Minister Deborah Barasa has acknowledged the mental health challenges facing healthcare workers and announced the introduction of comprehensive mental wellness programs. Critics, however, contend that these efforts come too late and are insufficient given the escalating crisis.

Beyond financial compensation and work hours, the medical community grapples with profound moral injury. Many young doctors experience psychological distress from the inability to save patients amid systemic failures, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness. This psychological burden is compounded by inadequate training in managing mental health crises and the trauma associated with their medical responsibilities.