In September, a 27-year-old medical intern at the Gatundu Level 5 Hospital in central Kiambu county took her own life.
Dr Desree Moraa Obwogi had just finished a gruelling 36-hour shift that had taken a toll on her mental-health status, according to her workmates.
They said she too struggled to pay her rent and utility bills.
Dr Muinde Nthusi, the chair of KMPDU’s Internship Liaison Committee, blamed financial hardships and a “toxic” work environment for her death.
During the burial, Obwogi’s family asked the government to take responsibility and account for the life lost, local media reported.
The other recent suicide cases noted by the KMPDU include Vincent Bosire Nyambunde, an intern at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital; Collins Kiprop Kosgei, a fifth-year medical student at the University of Nairobi and Keith Makori, a 30-year-old medic in central Kiambu county.
Young doctors have been mobilising on X under the hashtag #PayMedicalInterns to push for better pay and working conditions. They marched to the offices of the Ministry of Health last week to vent their frustrations.
“Our doctors and nurses shoulder the weight of a broken system, yet their cries are drowned by the greed of those in power,” Dr Kipkoech Cheruiyot posted on X platform, external.
Health officials did not respond to a BBC request for comment.
But reacting to the increasing suicide cases in September, Health Minister Deborah Barasa said it was “a stark reminder of the silent struggles that many, including those in the healthcare profession, often endure”.
The minister announced plans to introduce “robust workplace mental wellness” programmes for healthcare workers nationwide to “ensure that support systems are strengthened and that those facing challenges don’t feel alone”.
Medical experts said many young doctors also experience “moral injury”, or psychological trauma as they feel guilty for not doing enough to treat patients, even though they tried their best under difficult conditions.
“The thought that you could have done something to save a patient’s life but you couldn’t, can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness, contributing to mental health issues,” Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda, a psychiatrist, told Kenya’s Standard newspaper.
Trainee doctors told the BBC that most medical schools do not adequately address the topic of suicide, leaving new and fatigued physicians poorly equipped to deal with traumatic ordeals – and this is compounded by poor pay.
“A healthy doctor builds a healthy nation. When I am stressed or depressed as a doctor, I might even forget how to perform resuscitation on a patient, which could lead to loss of life,” said one intern doctor.
“A demotivated doctor is a dangerous person to serve you. It’s becoming a thankless job.”
About 1,400 Kenyans die by suicide each year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. But some analysts believe that the actual numbers might be higher.
Suicide remains criminalised in Kenya, where those found guilty of attempted suicide can face up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
This law has been widely criticised, with some rights groups calling for its repeal, arguing that it further stigmatises mental-health issues and prevents people from seeking help.
“How many doctors are we going to bury for the government to act?” asked Dr Adow.
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In the UK you can call for free, at any time, to hear recorded information on 0800 066 066. Elsewhere in the world, you can get help here, external.
