Clinical officers in Nairobi County are set to resume duties following the signing of a return-to-work formula, effectively ending an 85-day-long strike that had paralyzed essential health services across county hospitals and health centres.
The breakthrough comes after fruitful negotiations between the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) and the Nairobi City County Government. Central to the dispute were demands regarding the posting of five clinical officers who had received appointment letters but had not been assigned duties, as well as the implementation of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPGs) that were approved in 2024.
According to KUCO officials, the county has shown genuine commitment by addressing these issues. “We have made significant progress on the matters that led to the industrial action. This agreement marks a major step in improving the working conditions and recognition of clinical officers,” said one of the union representatives.
The Nairobi City County Government, in a statement, affirmed its dedication to ensuring that all clauses in the return-to-work formula are fully executed. “We acknowledge the critical role clinical officers play in our health sector and are committed to ensuring their welfare is protected,” the statement read.
The implementation of the 2024 Career Progression Guidelines is a key win for the union, as it opens doors for structured promotions and professional growth among clinical officers a demand that had been long-ignored.
With this agreement, health services across the city are expected to resume normal operations, bringing much-needed relief to patients who have borne the brunt of the prolonged strike. Both parties expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue will prevent future disruptions in the county’s healthcare delivery.
The strike’s resolution underscores the importance of responsive governance and constructive engagement between health workers and county administrations.
