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Kilifi governor calls for talks after clinical officers join nationwide strike

Clinical officers in Kilifi County take part in a protest on June 3, 2023, to demand promotions, permanent employment, and higher allowances for interns. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, June 4, 2024

The protestors are demanding promotions, permanent employment for those hired during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased allowances for trained interns.

A day after clinical officers in Kilifi County joined the nationwide strike, now on its 64th day, Governor Gideon Mung'aro has urged them to allow dialogue to address their concerns.

Led by Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) Secretary-General George Gibore, the protestors are demanding promotions, permanent employment for those hired during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased allowances for trained interns.

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“Clinical officers serve as the primary point of contact for medical attention and play a crucial role in delivering health services in all medical facilities,” Governor Mung'aro noted.

“We acknowledge the grievances raised by the clinical officers, including their demand for promotions and additional staff, all of which have been accounted for in the 2024–2025 budget set to take effect in July of this year.”

Clinical officers in Kilifi County take part in a protest on June 3, 2023, to demand promotions, permanent employment, and higher allowances for interns. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

The Monday protest in Kilifi saw clinical officers join their counterparts across the country in pressing the government to address their concerns. They vowed not to return to work until their national and county-specific grievances were addressed by the government and the Council of Governors (CoG).

“I urge them, under the leadership of their secretary-general, to approach this situation with open minds and allow for dialogue and negotiations,” Mung'aro said in his plea.

“I am confident that we can resolve these issues through constructive discussions at the negotiating table, rather than resorting to the disruption of health services, which could potentially harm citizens.”

The nationwide strike has severely affected service delivery in various parts of the country.

Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) Secretary-General George Gibore addresses journalists during a protest in Kilifi County on June 3, 2023, to demand promotions, permanent employment, and higher allowances for interns. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

KUCO is currently engaged in private discussions with the Kilifi County Health Department to present the demands of the county's clinical officers.

“Our demands are clear and justified. We seek promotions, permanent employment for our colleagues hired during the COVID-19 surge, and fair compensation for our interns. We will not return to work until these issues are satisfactorily addressed," Gibore said.

Governor Mung'aro reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the issues raised by the clinical officers, emphasising the need for ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding.

“We deeply appreciate and respect the work of our clinical officers, and as a government, we are committed to addressing their concerns as a top priority,” he noted.