Kenya Union of Clinical Officers coast region at a peaceful procession towards Mombasa Governor’s office in Mombasa in 2024 strike.Photo courtesy
Clinical officers in Kenya have issued a warning of a nationwide strike starting January 19, 2025 if the government fails to address their grievances.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) delivered a 14-day strike notice on Monday, citing their exclusion from the recently launched Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative and violations 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 General Secretary and CEO George Gibore criticised SHA for sidelining clinical officers.
“This discrimination and exclusion has been occasioned by the blatant, illegal and illogical refusal by Social Health Authority to recognize the facilities and practitioners registered and licensed by Clinical Officers Council,” Gibore stated.
He expressed frustration over clinical officers being pressured to license their facilities through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to qualify for empanelment under the new public healthcare scheme.
“We see these as acts of regularised corruption and pursuit of self-interests rather than the common good,” he added, noting that appeals to President William Ruto, Parliament, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and SHA have gone unanswered.
Furthermore, the union accused the health ministry and county governments of failing to honour the return-to-work agreement that ended their 99-day strike last year. The agreement included a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, comprehensive medical cover, and the confirmation of clinical officers on short-term contracts to permanent and pensionable terms.
“It is unfortunate that despite efforts from the union to follow up and expedite implementation of this agreement, employers, especially county governments, have remained adamant,” Gibore lamented.
The union has called for the immediate and unconditional recognition of health providers and practitioners licensed by the Clinical Officers Council. They also demand the SHA board restore pre-authorisation rights to clinical officers, including specialists, and fully implement the return-to-work agreement by January 19.
“In the intervening period, we remain available for a constructive social dialogue with the government and other key stakeholders for an amicable settlement of the issues in dispute,” added Gibore.
Failure to meet these demands, KUCO warned, will result in clinical officers withdrawing their services nationwide.
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