Nairobi clinical officers to stage mass protests, accuse Sakaja administration of ignoring grievances
The union said it is protesting against the county’s failure to implement career progression guidelines, delayed promotions, and stalled staff re-designations, which have led to a three-month-long strike.
Healthcare services in Nairobi are on the verge of total collapse, as clinical officers accuse Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration of ignoring their grievances and failing to implement crucial reforms aimed at improving their working conditions, prompting plans for mass protests on Wednesday, July 17.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) announced that its members will take to the streets of Nairobi to present a public petition, demanding immediate intervention to rescue the county’s deteriorating health sector.
More To Read
- Clinical officers petition Senate over discrimination, delayed posting of interns
- Is Kenya ready for next health crisis? Unpaid workers, weak systems raise alarms after Covid
- Strained, stalled and sinking: The harsh reality at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital
- Nairobi clinical officers accuse Sakaja of frustrating their career growth
- Duale directs clinical officers’ council to re-inspect licensed health facilities
- Kenya's clinical officers call off nationwide strike after sealing deal with government
The union said it is protesting against the county’s failure to implement career progression guidelines, delayed promotions, and stalled staff re-designations, which have led to a three-month-long strike.
“Many facilities around Nairobi are not functioning optimally, and those still operational are doing so under strained conditions. What is most alarming is the carefree attitude of the county government toward this crisis,” said KUCO National Chairperson Peterson Wachira.
According to the union, over 500 clinical officers have downed their tools, and the situation has been made worse by the county’s silence and inaction despite the Public Service Commission’s directive in May 2024, which required counties to enforce the career progression framework without delay.
“Our members have stagnated in the same job group for years. We now have a national policy document that provides for structured career growth from internship to retirement, but the county has failed to act,” said Stephen Muthama, KUCO Nairobi Branch Chair.
KUCO Secretary General George Gibore accused senior officials in the health department of failing in their duties, blaming them for blocking negotiations and watching as the healthcare system crumbles.
“The people entrusted with this docket have failed. Even after 83 days of the strike, nothing is happening. Health facilities are crumbling and residents continue to suffer,” Gibore stated.
The union said services across Nairobi’s public hospitals have been crippled, with 74 Level 2, 43 Level 3, and 12 Level 4 facilities out of operation. Only one Level 5 hospital is offering limited services, run by interns under pressure and without adequate support.
KUCO has also put pressure on other Nairobi leaders to speak up, saying the worsening health crisis is not just Governor Sakaja’s problem alone.
“We have prepared for peaceful demonstrations and a public petition, and we are reminding Nairobi residents that this is not just a governor’s issue. We want to hear from all leaders elected to serve Nairobi,” Gibore added.
Top Stories Today
