A deep sense of grief has swept through Kenya’s Rift Valley, following the tragic death of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a young medical intern who took her own life after a grueling 36-hour shift. Her death has brought to light the challenges faced by medical interns across the country, as they grapple with extreme work conditions, mental health struggles, and financial hardships. Dr. Obwogi’s family has now called on the government to take responsibility for her death, demanding accountability for the systemic issues that contributed to her distress.
Dr. Obwogi, a trainee doctor at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu county, had long been battling exhaustion, depression, and mounting financial pressures. Like many of her colleagues, she had not received her salary for several months due to delays caused by the government’s ongoing financial constraints. The situation was exacerbated by her inability to pay rent and utility bills, which took a heavy toll on her mental health.
Her colleagues and family members have pointed to a “toxic” work environment and the overwhelming stress faced by medical interns in Kenya, who often work for extended hours under challenging conditions. These interns form a crucial part of the healthcare system, with many working in public hospitals that serve a large portion of Kenya’s population. However, despite their critical role, they are often underpaid and overworked, contributing to burnout and mental health crises.
Dr. Muinde Nthusi, chair of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union’s Internship Liaison Committee, expressed his concerns about the working conditions that led to Dr. Obwogi’s untimely death. He highlighted the lack of adequate mental health support for healthcare workers, noting that many interns face “insurmountable challenges” to meet basic needs while working long hours.
The Kenyan government has faced mounting criticism from unions and the public for failing to address these issues. In response to Dr. Obwogi’s death, her family has called on the government to take full responsibility, stating that the pressures faced by medical interns are directly linked to the conditions they are forced to endure, including financial neglect and a lack of emotional support.
Dr. Obwogi’s death is not an isolated incident. Her passing follows the suicides of several other medical professionals in recent months, underscoring a growing mental health crisis within the healthcare system. According to Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Dr. Obwogi is the latest in a series of medical professionals who have lost their lives due to stress, exhaustion, and the lack of adequate insurance cover. The union has also reported a number of attempted suicides among interns in the past year, further highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Despite ongoing disputes between the government and unions over pay and working conditions, the challenges faced by medical interns remain unresolved. The government’s proposal to cut salaries for interns has sparked outrage, as many believe the proposed wage is insufficient given the level of responsibility and hours worked. President William Ruto has insisted that the country cannot afford to pay higher wages, citing financial constraints. However, this stance has led to calls for greater prioritization of the wellbeing of medical professionals.
The KMPDU has continued to advocate for better pay, working conditions, and mental health support for healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for the government to uphold its agreement with medical unions. The situation has reached a breaking point, with many interns contemplating leaving the country to seek better opportunities abroad or abandoning their medical careers altogether.
The government has promised to introduce workplace mental wellness programs to support healthcare workers, but these initiatives are still in the planning stages. In light of these developments, many are asking: how many more doctors must suffer before the government takes meaningful action?
Dr. Obwogi’s family and colleagues are urging the government to act swiftly and responsibly, not only to address the systemic issues that led to her tragic death but also to prevent further losses in the future. As Kenya faces a growing mental health crisis among its medical professionals, it is clear that urgent reform is needed to ensure the wellbeing of those who serve the nation’s healthcare system.
The medical profession, especially at the intern level, should not be a thankless job where sacrifices go unrecognized. The mental and emotional toll that healthcare workers endure must be acknowledged, and appropriate support systems must be put in place to protect them. Until then, the cry for change will continue, and many more young lives may be lost.
