Healthcare services across Kenya have been paralyzed as medical practitioners began a nationwide strike at midnight on Monday, July 20, 2026. The industrial action, announced by the Health Union Caucus, stems from the government's failure to absorb Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent terms.

• Over 7,000 UHC staff are without salaries, medical insurance, or valid employment contracts.
• Key figures involved include Health Union Caucus Chairperson Peterson Wachira and Public Health Union Secretary General Brown Ashira.
• The strike is expected to cripple healthcare delivery in all 47 counties, impacting public hospitals like Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and Pumwani Maternity Hospital.