Kenya’s clinical officers have issued a 14-day strike notice, warning they will withdraw their services on January 19 if their grievances are not addressed. They accuse the government of sidelining them in healthcare reforms and failing to honour a return-to-work agreement signed in 2023.
KUCO Chairperson Peterson Wachira addressing media in Mombasa on Tuesday, January 2025
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) raised concerns over exclusion from the Social Health Authority (SHA), which oversees healthcare reforms under Kenya’s universal health coverage agenda.
KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore called the exclusion discriminatory and unlawful, noting that the SHA has refused to recognise facilities and practitioners licensed by the Clinical Officers Council.
Gibore criticised SHA’s demand for clinical officers to register their facilities under the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council for empanelment. He described this requirement as unjustified and an act of promoting self-interest instead of public good.
“Efforts to engage President William Ruto, Parliament, the Ministry of Health, and the SHA on the matter have reportedly gone unanswered,” stated Gibore.
In addition to exclusion from SHA, KUCO expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises in the 2023 return-to-work agreement that ended a 99-day strike.
The agreement outlined commitments such as a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, comprehensive medical cover, and permanent employment for clinical officers on short-term contracts.
However, Gibore accused county governments of ignoring these commitments despite repeated follow-ups.
The union’s demands include the immediate inclusion of clinical officers and their facilities in the SHA framework and reinstating pre-authorisation rights under the new healthcare scheme. KUCO also insists that the return-to-work agreement be fully implemented by January 19.
Gibore warned that failure to meet these conditions would result in a nationwide strike that would disrupt healthcare services.
Despite the firm ultimatum, KUCO reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue with the government to resolve the issues. Gibore emphasised that the union remains open to constructive discussions to avert the crisis.
If the strike proceeds, Kenya’s healthcare system could face significant challenges. Clinical officers are essential to delivering primary healthcare, and their withdrawal would strain an already overburdened system.
The ongoing standoff highlights challenges in implementing healthcare reforms in Kenya. The exclusion of clinical officers from SHA has raised concerns about equity and inclusivity.
As the January 19 deadline approaches, attention now shifts to the government’s response and whether it will act swiftly to prevent the impending strike.
