Clinical officers in Nairobi have taken to the streets to protest against what they describe as unfair labor practices by the county government. The demonstrations were sparked by frustrations over stalled promotions, delayed postings, and alleged corruption in the recruitment and designation processes.
The officers are demanding the immediate implementation of the 2024 career progression guidelines, which were approved to ensure structured promotions and fair re-designation of duties. According to the union representing the workers, many clinical officers have remained in the same job group for years despite meeting the qualifications for advancement. This stagnation has left a significant number of officers performing roles outside their official designations without commensurate pay or recognition.
At the center of the dispute is the county government’s reluctance to enforce the new guidelines, which were intended to streamline career growth and improve the morale of healthcare workers. The officers argue that the refusal to implement these changes undermines service delivery and creates an environment of frustration within the public health sector.
The protesting officers also raised concerns about the delayed deployment of five clinical officers who were issued appointment letters by the County Public Service Board but have not been posted to any health facilities. The delays, they claim, point to inefficiencies and possible corruption within the system. They allege that favoritism and opaque processes have crept into hiring and promotions, disadvantaging qualified professionals.
In addition to stalled promotions and delayed postings, the officers are calling for transparency and fairness in the entire human resource management process. They maintain that their push is not only about personal career growth but also about strengthening the health system to better serve the public.
Healthcare professionals are critical in delivering essential services, and clinical officers play a key role in managing patient care across many facilities. Their continued discontent and industrial action could disrupt health services in Nairobi, which is already grappling with increased demand for healthcare.
The clinical officers have vowed to continue pressing for their demands until the county government takes concrete steps to address their grievances. They insist that implementing the 2024 career guidelines, eliminating favoritism, and ensuring timely deployment of staff are non-negotiable issues that must be resolved to restore confidence and stability in the sector.
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