Clinicians in Machakos County have issued a seven-day strike notice following the breakdown of talks with the county government over a long-standing work agreement.
Speaking at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, the National Chairman of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Peterson Wachira, expressed deep frustration over the county’s failure to fulfill promises made since December 2023. He noted that clinicians waited over three hours for a scheduled meeting with county officials, but none showed up.
“The governor had directed that promotions and salary increments be implemented starting May. Nothing has been done. This is a clear lack of goodwill,” Wachira said. “If the agreement is not signed within seven days, all clinical officers will withdraw their services from county hospitals.”
The clinicians say they have exhausted all dialogue avenues and accuse the county administration of flouting a court order requiring the resolution of their grievances.
KUCO Secretary General George Gibore emphasized that around 300 clinicians have been neglected for more than seven months despite sufficient budgetary allocations. “We have met all the conditions of the court judgement. The county must now act. We are giving them seven days from tomorrow to sign the agreement or we down our tools,” he said.
Among the clinicians’ demands are delayed promotions, new job designations, and the adoption of a nationally approved career progression guide. KUCO Deputy Chairperson Boniface Mitambo criticized the county’s consistent failure to adhere to timelines and accused it of lacking the will to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“We’ve had several timelines, and every time, the county postpones. This is a sign that they do not intend to honour the court order or respect the negotiation process,” said Mitambo.
In response, Machakos Health Minister Dr. Justus Kasivu, in a phone interview, stated that the agreement is ready and would be signed the following week.
As the seven-day countdown begins, patients in Machakos are being advised to prepare for a potential disruption of health services should the county government fail to act.
