The ongoing discord between the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) and the Ministry of Health has taken a new turn, with the union vehemently denying Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha’s recent statements regarding negotiations for a return to work agreement.
In a public disclosure, CS Nakhumicha claimed that discussions had been held with the Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, to address the clinical officers’ concerns, specifically highlighting issues related to risk allowances. “On clinical officers specifically, I am aware that even last week, they met the Principal Secretary and it is only after the PS has escalated to my level that I am able to handle it, but the issue they are asking about is risk allowance,” Nakhumicha stated.
However, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers was quick to counter these claims. In a pointed response on their official X handle, the union clarified that no such meeting had taken place recently. “Susan Nakhumicha, unless you are being misadvised, we have not met PS Mary Muthoni in the past one month and the team she appointed refuses to sit and negotiate a return to work agreement as directed by courts. Clinical Officers in the National government are over 500 in number,” the union asserted.
The crux of the contention revolves around the risk allowance for clinical officers. Currently, clinical officers receive a risk allowance of Ksh3,000, but they are pushing for a significant increase to Ksh15,000. CS Nakhumicha acknowledged the demand but described the proposed increment as too high. She advised the clinical officers to engage in discussions with the Council of Governors (CoG), who are their primary employers, to seek direction before the Ministry of Health can take further steps.
“Currently, they earn a risk allowance of Ksh3,000, they are asking for an increment to Ksh15,000. I know there is talk that we only take care of clinical officers at the national level who are less than 200 working in the national referral hospital because you know health is devolved so the majority of these clinical officers work within the counties,” Nakhumicha explained. She emphasized the need to consider the broader implications of such an increase, noting, “once we look at the enhancement of the risk allowance in fact from Ksh3,000 to Ksh15,000, what percentage is that? But we have to look at it in totality because it will affect all the clinical health officers in the country. I have personally talked to their chair about this.”
The union’s rebuttal and the ongoing public disagreement highlight the persistent challenges in negotiating better terms for healthcare workers in Kenya. As clinical officers continue to press for improved risk allowances, the need for clear communication and effective negotiation strategies becomes ever more critical. The situation underscores the complex dynamics between national and county governments in managing health sector employees’ welfare, especially in a devolved health system.
Both parties appear to be at an impasse, with clinical officers awaiting meaningful dialogue and concrete actions, while the Ministry of Health grapples with the financial implications and broader impacts of the demanded allowances. As the standoff continues, the well-being of clinical officers and the efficiency of healthcare delivery in Kenya hang in the balance.
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