Nationwide Health Crisis Looms: Clinical Officers Threaten Strike Over Government Neglect!

Clinical officers have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike starting January 19 unless the government addresses their grievances.

On Monday, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) issued a 14-day strike notice, citing their exclusion from the recently launched Social Health Authority (SHA) and breaches of last year’s return-to-work agreement.

In a letter addressed to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, and the Council of Governors, KUCO Secretary General George Gibore decried the sidelining of clinical officers from participating in SHA services.

“This exclusion is discriminatory, illegal, and unfounded, stemming from the refusal of the SHA to recognize facilities and practitioners registered under the Clinical Officers Council,” Gibore asserted.

He further criticized the push for clinical officers to register their facilities with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to be included in the new healthcare scheme.

“These actions amount to institutionalized corruption driven by selfish interests rather than public welfare,” Gibore added, highlighting that efforts to engage President William Ruto, Parliament, and the Ministry of Health (MoH) have yielded no results.

The union also accused the MoH and county governments of failing to honor commitments made during a 99-day strike last year. The agreements included a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, medical coverage, and transitioning clinical officers on short-term contracts to permanent roles.

“Despite our persistent efforts to fast-track the implementation of these agreements, county governments have refused to cooperate,” Gibore lamented.

The union is demanding the immediate recognition of health providers registered under the Clinical Officers Council, the restoration of authorization rights for clinical officers, and full implementation of last year’s agreement.

“If these demands are not met by January 19, we will withdraw our services nationwide,” KUCO warned, while expressing readiness for dialogue with the government and stakeholders to resolve the dispute.