The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has officially ended its nationwide strike, which had significantly disrupted healthcare services across the country. The strike, which commenced on January 19, 2025, was fueled by grievances related to unresolved labor issues and what the union perceived as a lack of goodwill from the government and relevant state agencies. After weeks of negotiations and public outcry over the impact of the work stoppage, an agreement has finally been reached, allowing clinical officers to resume their duties.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the strike had been called off following successful discussions with KUCO leadership. Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa made the announcement, emphasizing the government’s dedication to resolving the concerns of clinical officers while ensuring that essential healthcare services remain uninterrupted. According to Dr. Barasa, the resolution highlights the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing labor disputes within the health sector. She further noted that improving working conditions, enhancing service delivery, and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system under the Taifa Care Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative remained top priorities for the ministry.
The deal was formalized at Afya House in the presence of key stakeholders, including CS Barasa, Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, and representatives from the Ministry of Public Service. Clinical officers were directed to resume duty within 24 hours, restoring normalcy to public hospitals and other healthcare institutions where their absence had left a significant service gap. KUCO Chairperson Peterson Wachira acknowledged that the strike could have been avoided had the government acted sooner but expressed optimism that the commitments made during negotiations would be honored.
A major point of contention that led to the industrial action was the government’s failure to recognize clinical officers under the Clinical Officers Act No. 20 of 2017. KUCO had strongly pushed for the unconditional recognition of clinical officers registered under this law, arguing that their exclusion from key decision-making processes and healthcare service provision was unjustified. Additionally, the union had demanded the reinstatement of pre-authorization rights by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which clinical officers said was crucial in ensuring they could provide specialized care without bureaucratic obstacles.
Other key issues addressed in the agreement include the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) within 60 days, the promotion and re-designation of clinical officers effective September 1, 2024, and the provision of a comprehensive medical cover for clinical officers starting the same date. KUCO had also pushed for the conversion of all short-term contracts into permanent and pensionable terms for clinical officers working under the UHC program, a move they believe will enhance job security and improve healthcare service delivery.
Throughout the strike, clinical officers accused the Social Health Authority of engaging in discriminatory practices, alleging that SHA had deliberately excluded them from offering healthcare services by refusing to recognize facilities and practitioners registered by the Clinical Officers Council. The standoff had led to a crisis in the public health sector, forcing many Kenyans to seek treatment in expensive private hospitals, with some patients unable to access medical attention altogether.
With the strike now officially called off, the focus shifts to ensuring that the agreed-upon reforms are implemented without delays. Both the Ministry of Health and KUCO have pledged to continue engaging in constructive dialogue to prevent future disruptions and enhance the welfare of healthcare workers. However, the union has warned that it will not hesitate to take further action if the government fails to honor its commitments, signaling that labor relations in the healthcare sector remain a delicate issue that requires continuous attention.
