Govt Announces Deal Signed With Clinical Officers, Ending Strike
Barasa stated that the agreement was reached after several weeks of discussions among the three parties.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has officially ended their strike following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors on Wednesday, March 12.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced in a statement on Wednesday, March 12, that union members have been instructed to return to work within 24 hours of reaching the agreement.
Barasa stated that the agreement was reached after several weeks of discussions among the three parties.
"Today, I am pleased to announce that following productive discussions, the clinical officers' strike has been called off following negotiations between the Ministry of Health and the leadership of our clinical workers' caucus," announced the CS.
Council of Governors (CoG) during a multi-agency planning committee meeting with stakeholders on March 4, 2025. /COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS
"This marks a significant step in strengthening our healthcare system through dialogue and mutual understanding. The government remains committed to addressing the key concerns raised by our clinical officers while ensuring that the healthcare needs of all Kenyans are met without disruption."
Barasa went on to assure that the Ministry had acknowledged the concerns raised by the clinical officers and the role they play in making sure that the health of Kenyans is secured.
"Our clinical officers form part of the larger health workforce that plays a critical role in delivering essential healthcare services to our citizens. Over the past few weeks, our clinical officers and the Ministry of Health have engaged in extensive and progressive consultations with all relevant stakeholders in a bid to find an amicable resolution to the issues at hand," she continued.
Barasa reaffirmed the government's dedication to addressing the needs of healthcare workers, emphasizing its commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage in the country.
"As we advance towards the full realisation and implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under Taifa Care, it is imperative that all healthcare workers- including clinical officers remain actively engaged in shaping policies that improve working conditions, enhance service delivery and strengthen our healthcare infrastructure.
"Constructive engagement and collaboration remain the best ways to approach our resolve to address challenges we face currently and achieve sustainable solutions in the health sector," she went on.
On February 17, KUCO declared its intention to launch a strike, citing unmet demands related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The National Association of Clinical Officers Anaesthetists (NACOA) Secretary General, Daniel Kithome, confirmed the strike in a statement addressed to NACOA members, which KUCO later shared on its official X account.
"Our union (KUCO) has announced a Clinical Officers' strike commencing at midnight today due to various issues, such as the inability of our cadre to preauthorise UHC and CBA," he stated, adding "As the leadership of the association, we fully support the Union and therefore call upon you to accord them the necessary support for the goal to be achieved."
This strike was part of a series of labor actions taken by clinical officers since last year over issues that included the CBA.
Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) during a past strike. /FILE
