Kenya Union of Clinical Officers resumes nationwide strike over unmet demands
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has announced the resumption of a nationwide strike starting at midnight on February 17, 2025. The industrial action comes after the government failed to implement the Return-To-Work formulae signed in September 2024, which included several key promises to clinical officers.
KUCO, which suspended a previous 21-day strike notice on January 22, 2025, accused the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors of neglecting to address critical issues such as the promotion and confirmation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff, career progression for clinical officers, and the provision of comprehensive medical cover. They also raised concerns over the failure to empanel clinical officers and their facilities under the Social Health Authority (SHA), preventing them from offering essential services.
In a press statement delivered by Secretary General George Gibore, the union expressed frustration over the government’s repeated delays in implementing agreements, describing the situation as one where strikes and agreements have become a recurring cycle without tangible outcomes. He highlighted the lack of progress on several fronts, including the re-designation and promotion of clinical officers, and failure to honor commitments regarding UHC staff contracts.
“Majority of the counties have not promoted our members as agreed, leading to ongoing strikes in counties like Vihiga, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu,” Gibore said. “This issue has persisted for years and remains unresolved, despite numerous engagements.”
KUCO also voiced strong opposition to the ongoing Health Summit, being held at the Deputy President’s residence, accusing it of excluding key healthcare stakeholders like clinical officers. The union claims the summit, which discusses critical reforms, is fostering the status quo rather than driving meaningful change.
The clinical officers are demanding the immediate resolution of their concerns, including ensuring that UHC staff are transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms, implementation of career progression guidelines, and addressing the discrimination they face in providing emergency services under the SHA.
“We cannot continue negotiating the same issues year after year, only to be deceived. This strike is a last resort to demand accountability,” stated Mary Boniface, KUCO’s National Treasurer.
Additionally, they are calling for counties to provide comprehensive medical cover for clinical officers, which has been missing in several counties, including Machakos, Makueni, and Migori.
Despite the union’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, the lack of concrete action from the government has forced them to resume the strike, which will affect public health facilities across the country, including national referral hospitals. With over 25,000 healthcare workers expected to join the strike, the industrial action threatens to exacerbate the already strained healthcare system, particularly in areas such as HIV and TB treatment, which rely heavily on continuous care.
“We urge the government to take urgent action to address these issues and avoid further disruption in healthcare services,” Gibore added
