It is a Thursday afternoon when I visit the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital (NCTRH). As I walk in, I notice a steady stream of people, most of them probably seeking health services.

On any other day, the normal procedure would be to pay the consultation fee, then proceed to the triage area to have your vital signs checked, then proceed to the consultation waiting area.

This is usually the clockwork routine, but today things were a little different.

As of midnight on Wednesday, a nationwide strike was called by the secretary general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Dr Davji Atellah.

Read: How an increase in Kidney related diseases has put pressure on Nakuru hospital

In a statement, Dr Atellah said the decision was taken after the union failed to reach a consensus with the government on issues affecting health workers.

NCTRH is the largest referral hospital in Nakuru and the Rift Valley region, serving other regions including Baringo, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Narok, Bomet and Baringo.

The hospital also offers specialised treatment in oncology, renal care and has a well-equipped maternity wing.

As a result, the doctors' strike would mean disastrous consequences to the locals and neighboring towns.

Martha Waniku with her child. She is among people who have not been able to receive any medical assistance at NCTRH due to the national doctors strike.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

My observations at the hospital lead me to Martha Wanjiku, who is sitting on a bench in the special clinics department. Holding her head as she stares into the distance is her three-year-old child who sits next to her, unaware of what is going on.

Read: Nakuru's fractured health sector. Will the bandage hold?

"I came all the way from Mau-Narok and I have been here since 6:30 a.m it is now almost 12:30 p.m. I have not been able to take my child to the doctor because there are no doctors working due to the strike. As I sit here, I do not know what to do because my child needs medical attention but there is no one to take care of her," said Ms Wanjiku.

Trovena Maureen with her baby strapped on her back. She is among people who have not been able to receive any medical help at NCTRH due to the national doctors strike.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Next to her is Trovena Maureen, who has come with her three-month-old baby, who is still in paediatric care.

"I came all the way from Salgaa just to see a doctor with my child. Unfortunately, this has not happened, since the morning hours I have been kept waiting by the nurses who keep telling me something different about the doctor's appointment. The only option I have is to go home and think about what to do next," Mrs Trovena said.

Wanjiku and Trovena are just examples of the many people who have come to the hospital in the hope of receiving medical help, but unfortunately have been forced to return home without any treatment.

Both mothers are pleading with the government to intervene so that normal operations can resume.

Read: Nakuru doctors issue strike notice, cite poor working conditions

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Patients stranded at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital as doctors begin national strike

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Bret Sanya