NAIROBI, Kenya – Clinical officers across Kenya have issued a stern warning of a countrywide strike starting January 19, if the government does not address their grievances.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) announced the strike notice on Monday, citing exclusion from the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) and violations of a previously agreed return-to-work deal.
KUCO General Secretary and CEO, George Gibore, detailed the union’s concerns in a letter to several key government officials, including Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, and the Council of Governors.
He described the exclusion of clinical officers from SHA services as discriminatory and a breach of the return-to-work agreement signed last year.
“This discrimination and exclusion has been occasioned by the blatant, illegal, and illogical refusal by the Social Health Authority to recognize the facilities and practitioners registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council,” Gibore stated.
According to Gibore, clinical officers are being coerced into registering their facilities with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Dentist Council (KMPDC) to participate in the new public healthcare scheme.
He criticized this move as a form of “regularized corruption” and an indication of self-interest over public welfare.
Efforts to engage President William Ruto, Parliament, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and SHA have reportedly been met with silence.
This lack of response has further exacerbated the clinical officers’ frustrations, leading to the issuance of the strike notice.
The return-to-work agreement, which ended a 99-day strike last year, included terms for a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, comprehensive medical cover, and the transition of clinical officers from short-term contracts to permanent and pensionable employment.
However, Gibore noted that these terms have not been honored, particularly by county governments.
“It is unfortunate that despite efforts from the union to follow up and expedite implementation of this agreement, employers especially county governments have remained adamant,” Gibore said.
The union is now demanding the immediate and unconditional recognition of health providers and practitioners licensed by the Clinical Officers Council.
They also want the SHA board to reinstate pre-authorization rights to clinical officers, including specialists, and to fully implement the return-to-work agreement by January 19.
“In the intervening period, we remain available for constructive social dialogue with the government and other key stakeholders for an amicable settlement of the issues in dispute,” Gibore added.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) announced the strike notice on Monday, citing exclusion from the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) and violations of a previously agreed return-to-work deal.
KUCO General Secretary and CEO, George Gibore, detailed the union’s concerns in a letter to several key government officials, including Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, and the Council of Governors.
He described the exclusion of clinical officers from SHA services as discriminatory and a breach of the return-to-work agreement signed last year.
“This discrimination and exclusion has been occasioned by the blatant, illegal, and illogical refusal by the Social Health Authority to recognize the facilities and practitioners registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council,” Gibore stated.
According to Gibore, clinical officers are being coerced into registering their facilities with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Dentist Council (KMPDC) to participate in the new public healthcare scheme.
He criticized this move as a form of “regularized corruption” and an indication of self-interest over public welfare.
Efforts to engage President William Ruto, Parliament, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and SHA have reportedly been met with silence.
This lack of response has further exacerbated the clinical officers’ frustrations, leading to the issuance of the strike notice.
The return-to-work agreement, which ended a 99-day strike last year, included terms for a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, comprehensive medical cover, and the transition of clinical officers from short-term contracts to permanent and pensionable employment.
However, Gibore noted that these terms have not been honored, particularly by county governments.
“It is unfortunate that despite efforts from the union to follow up and expedite implementation of this agreement, employers especially county governments have remained adamant,” Gibore said.
The union is now demanding the immediate and unconditional recognition of health providers and practitioners licensed by the Clinical Officers Council.
They also want the SHA board to reinstate pre-authorization rights to clinical officers, including specialists, and to fully implement the return-to-work agreement by January 19.
“In the intervening period, we remain available for constructive social dialogue with the government and other key stakeholders for an amicable settlement of the issues in dispute,” Gibore added.
