NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has confirmed that the nationwide strike planned for Sunday is still on track, with tensions mounting between healthcare professionals and the government.
This industrial action, which has been brewing for weeks, revolves around alleged discrimination by the Social Health Authority (SHA) and unfulfilled agreements under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The countdown to January 19 is on, and KUCO officials say the strike is a necessary response to government inaction.
Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) to go on strike starting Monday.
According to KUCO Secretary General George Gibore, the SHA has imposed new regulations that severely hinder clinical officers’ ability to provide healthcare.
One of the most contentious issues is the refusal of the authority to recognize facilities owned by clinical officers, denying them the right to treat patients registered under the authority.
This move, Gibore argues, has created unnecessary barriers for clinical officers who form the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system.
In addition, the SHA’s insistence that clinical officers’ facilities must seek secondary registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) in order to treat patients has drawn significant criticism.
These “nonexistent laws,” as described by Gibore, only add to the mounting frustration of clinical officers, who already play a pivotal role in serving communities.
The tension over healthcare accessibility is compounded by unresolved issues within the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between clinical officers and the government.
The agreement, signed last year and still under legal dispute, outlines clear provisions for the promotion and permanent employment of clinical officers.
Yet, many counties have failed to adhere to these terms, leaving clinical officers in precarious contractual positions.
Gibore’s remarks highlight the government’s failure to act on these grievances, despite the CBA being filed in court.
This has led to deep frustration among the union’s members, who feel that their rights are being disregarded.
The lack of action on these promises has forced KUCO to take drastic measures, including the strike set to disrupt services across the country.
KUCO National Trustee Moses Baiyenia claimed that cartels within KMPDC are sabotaging efforts to allow clinical officers to provide services under the SHA.
These so-called cartels, according to Baiyenia, have taken control of the authority, blocking access to healthcare services for many Kenyans.
He called for the dismissal of Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, accusing her of being complicit in these disruptions.
At a rally in Embu, local leaders, including Embu Branch Secretary James Nyaga, reaffirmed their commitment to joining the strike, citing the urgent need for solidarity with colleagues nationwide.
As the strike date nears, the pressure is mounting on the government to respond to the demands of clinical officers, who play a crucial role in Kenya’s healthcare system.
