Main content

Kenya's Unhappy Doctors and Nurses

Kenyans are angry at the death of a young doctor who had said he lacked enough protection from Covid. Critics say his story reveals a malaise in the country鈥檚 health sector.

All over the world, frontline workers have paid the ultimate price during the pandemic. But in Kenya the story of one young doctor鈥檚 heroism has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. 28-year old Stephen Mogusu died from Covid 19 in December after working on an isolation ward and complaining he lacked adequate protective clothing. Despite his vital service, he hadn鈥檛 been paid for five months. Stephen鈥檚 tragedy exposes a wider malaise in Kenya鈥檚 health system: A corruption scandal involving overpriced masks, aprons and other protective clothing. Meanwhile, across the country, a series of on-off strikes have disrupted care, as doctors, nurses and clinicians made sporadic protests against mismanagement and a devolved power structure they say is dysfunctional. As Kenya continues to battle against the virus, Lucy Ash finds out what鈥檚 ailing Kenya鈥檚 healthcare system.

Produced by Michael Gallagher. Editor, Bridget Harney

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Mon 26 Apr 2021 20:30

Broadcasts

  • Thu 22 Apr 2021 11:00
  • Mon 26 Apr 2021 20:30

Podcast