The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has announced a nationwide strike set to begin at midnight on January 19, 2025, citing a breach of the Return to Work Formula agreement signed in July 2024. The strike follows ongoing grievances about the lack of implementation of key provisions in the agreement, with KUCO arguing that both national and county governments have shown a lack of goodwill in addressing the union’s demands.
According to KUCO Secretary General George Gibore, the union’s members are left with no choice but to withdraw their services due to unresolved issues. These include delays in implementing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was set to take effect in September 2024. The agreement covers several important aspects, including promotions and re-designations for clinical officers, comprehensive medical cover, the confirmation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) clinical officers into permanent and pensionable terms, and the conversion of short-term contracts to permanent status.
Despite numerous petitions to the President, the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Ministry of Health, KUCO claims there has been no response from the relevant authorities. Gibore expressed frustration with county governments, accusing them of remaining indifferent to the issues raised. He further criticized the lack of action in recognizing health practitioners registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council, a stipulation under the Clinical Officers Act, 2017.
The union also voiced concerns over the exclusion of clinical officers from the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has allegedly led to financial hardships for many Kenyans who have had to pay out-of-pocket for services.
KUCO has emphasized its willingness to engage in dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to resolve the disputes and avoid disruptions to health services. However, the union remains firm in its decision to proceed with the strike if the issues are not adequately addressed by the set deadline.
The strike threatens to disrupt the delivery of healthcare services across the country, and the government faces increasing pressure to resolve the matter before it escalates.
