Clinicians in Machakos County have officially called off a planned strike just hours before it was set to begin, following a breakthrough agreement with the county government. The strike, which was scheduled to start at midnight on Saturday, was averted after both parties signed a deal addressing the long-standing grievances of healthcare workers.
The agreement was signed on Friday evening at Machakos Level 5 Hospital and marked the culmination of a seven-month negotiation process. Among the key issues resolved were the promotion of Clinical Officers who had been stuck in the same job group for years, salary adjustments to enhance compensation, and commitments to improve working conditions.
Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) National Chairperson, Peterson Wachira, hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, noting that Machakos County had become the first in the country to fully implement career progression guidelines for clinical officers.
“This is a victory not only for clinical officers in Machakos but also a national precedent,” said Wachira. “We appreciate the county’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and fulfil their obligation as directed by the court.”
KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the agreement includes concrete steps to address job stagnation and salary disparities. “We signed two documents detailing how members will be promoted and placed into appropriate job groups. Importantly, all this will be guided by our established career progression framework,” he stated.
County Secretary Muia Ndambuki, who represented the county government during the signing, expressed relief and optimism. “We’ve reached a positive outcome through consultation and mutual understanding. This is a major win for Machakos and reflects the governor’s commitment to strengthening the health sector,” he said.
The union confirmed that it would present the signed agreement to the court as evidence of compliance, effectively concluding the legal process that had mandated dialogue.
With the deal in place, healthcare services in Machakos will continue without disruption, bringing relief to residents and reaffirming the county’s dedication to improving the welfare of its healthcare workforce.
