Kenya's clinical officers call off nationwide strike after sealing deal with government

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has officially ended its nationwide strike, which had disrupted healthcare services across the country.

The strike, which began on January 19, 2025, was triggered by unresolved issues and what the union described as a lack of goodwill from the government and state agencies.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed that an agreement had been reached, allowing clinical officers to return to work. Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa announced the resolution, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by clinical officers while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.

"Following productive discussions, I am pleased to announce that the clinical officers’ strike has been called off," Dr. Barasa stated. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in improving working conditions, enhancing service delivery, and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure under the Taifa Care Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.

The agreement was signed at Afya House in the presence of CS Barasa, Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, and other key stakeholders with clinical officers being directed to resume duty within 24 hours.

KUCO Chairperson Peterson Wachira acknowledged the strike could have been avoided and confirmed that clinicians would now resume duty.

He stated that the Ministry had committed to immediately empanel clinical officers' facilities and accelerate the implementation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

KUCO had initially invoked Article 41 of the Constitution, calling for a strike until all outstanding issues were resolved. Among their key demands was the immediate and unconditional recognition of clinical officers registered under the Clinical Officers Act No. 20 of 2017. The union also pushed for the reinstatement of pre-authorization rights by the Social Health Authority (SHA) for clinical officers, including specialists.

KUCO demands included implementing a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) within 60 days, promoting and re-designating clinical officers, effective September 1, 2024, and providing comprehensive medical cover starting September 1, 2024.

Other demands included converting all short-term contracts into permanent and pensionable terms for UHC clinical officers.

The union had also raised concerns over what it termed as discriminatory practices by the SHA, which allegedly excluded clinical officers from offering services. This exclusion stems from SHA’s unlawful refusal to recognize facilities and practitioners registered by the Clinical Officers Council.

The prolonged strike had left many Kenyans without access to critical healthcare services, forcing them to seek costly private treatment.

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