Fresh Blow In Bid To End Doctor's Strike After Clinical Officers' Announcement

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has announced a nationwide strike effective Monday, April 1, which will see them join the ongoing doctors’ strike that has been running since March 15.

In a press briefing, KUCO Chairman Peter Wachira stated that all legal mechanisms were exhausted, leaving them with no option but to down their tools.

“The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) regrets to inform the public of the imminent commencement of a national strike starting on April 1st, 2024,” KUCO Secretary General George Gibore weighed in.

“This strike action comes after a prolonged neglect by the government in addressing critical issues affecting Clinical Officers, which directly hinder the delivery of quality healthcare services and undermine the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key Government agenda in the health sector."

Kenya Union of Clinical Officer Secretary General George Gibore (centre) flanked by national chair, Peterson Wachira (right) and Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr Davji Bhimji during a past media briefing. /NATION MEDIA GROUP

Gibore added that KUCO's concerted efforts, including a 21-day demand letter and 7 days subsequent reminders, the government's failure to engage, left the officers with no choice but to proceed with the strike.

At the same time, the union issued six demands that should be addressed, the first being the conclusion of prolonged negotiations on its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), talks that have stalled since 2017.

“This protracted negotiation period, spanning two life cycles of a CBA, is a clear testament to the lack of commitment from the government's side. Despite court orders mandating engagement and resolution, the Council of Governors (CoG) has repeatedly failed to cooperate, leaving us with no recourse but to escalate our action,” Gibore said.

Secondly, the union wants clinical officers to be confirmed as permanent staff with pensions, stating that while the Ministry of Health has indicated budgetary readiness, the UHC contracts under punitive terms.

KUCO also cited the Council of Governors' refusal to provide concurrence which has stalled progress, on the other hand, insistíng extension of UHC contracts under punitive terms.

The Union also wants a clear career progression for its members, arguing that some Clinical officers have not been promoted since 2013.

“We protest the Systemic flagrant disregard of Public Service Commission (PSC) HR Manuals by both the Ministry of Health and County Governments, resulting in the stagnation of career progression for the majority of Clinical Officers some have not seen promotion since devolution began, Kirinyaga County Government stands as a stark example,” the union added.

KUCO also wants the immediate recruitment of 20,000 clinical officers, the Ministry of Health’s adherence to 2020 approved internship staff establishment guidelines as well as the approval of Career Progression Guidelines for clinical officers.

On Monday, April 1, services at 4,172 level II hospitals, 1,217 level III Hospitals, 3,376 level IV Hospitals, and 14 level V facilities will be disrupted, as all clinical services come to a halt.