Health unions threaten strike as counties snub SRC salary structures, leave UHC staff unpaid
On Tuesday, the unions accused counties of defying official directives by denying health workers permanent contracts and pay, urging swift intervention to avert industrial unrest.
Health unions have criticised county governments for failing to implement the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC) salary structures and pensionable terms for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers, calling the situation “unjust and unsustainable” for healthcare professionals.
In a statement on Tuesday, the unions said counties have disregarded official directives, leaving many health workers without permanent contracts and in arrears of pay. They urged immediate intervention to prevent industrial unrest.
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The Health Union Caucus brings together the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), Kenya Environment Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHU), Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT), and the Kenya Health Professional Society (KHPS).
The caucus noted that although the Ministry of Health had harmonised UHC workers’ salaries in line with SRC terms, most counties had failed to issue permanent and pensionable appointment letters despite receiving funds for this purpose.
Career guidelines
They further accused the Council of Governors of undermining the Public Service Commission (PSC) by directing the withdrawal of career guidelines for health workers, citing financial implications.
“This action is hindering career progression and directly contradicts the PSC’s mandate,” the unions said.
The caucus also pointed out that implementation of the SRC-reviewed remuneration structures from the third and fourth cycles, along with the settlement of arrears, was still pending.
Turning their focus to Kiambu County, the unions highlighted what they described as unlawful practices, including failure to implement SRC salary guidelines, delayed salaries, lack of promotions, and inadequate medical cover.
“There have been cases of critically ill doctors who have had to rely on external fundraising for treatment,” they said.
Union deductions
They also criticised Kiambu for unilaterally halting union deductions in violation of labour laws, victimising outspoken members through arbitrary transfers, and refusing to sign a non-victimisation clause. The caucus described the county’s position as a “labour lockout,” warning that it set a “dangerous precedent” for other counties.
In response, the unions demanded the immediate absorption of all UHC, Global Fund, and Community Health Extension and Referral Programme (CHERP) workers into permanent and pensionable terms with full back pay.
They also called for the full implementation of SRC-reviewed structures, payment of withheld salaries and statutory deductions in Kiambu, regularisation of exploitative and irregular county contracts, centralised negotiations for collective bargaining agreements, and investigations by both the National Assembly and Senate into the treatment of health workers in Kiambu.
Additionally, they insisted on the immediate reinstatement of union deductions and the signing of a non-victimisation clause.
The caucus warned that unless these demands are met within seven days, they will resort to industrial action. “Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no choice but to initiate a coordinated strike to protect the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals,” they said.
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