Clinical officers have issued a 14-day strike notice over a number of unresolved grievances.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) said they will go on strike from January 19, 2025, over “unresolved issues past the agreed timelines and lack of goodwill from governments and state agencies.”
The union officials led by the SG George Gibore and the national chairperson Peterson Wachira however noted that in the intervening period, they remain available for a constructive social dialogue with the government and other key stakeholders for an amicable settlement of the dispute.
“The union has now resolved to invoke Article 41 of the Constitution of Kenya, read together with the relevant provisions of the law, and call for a strike commencing after the midnight of January 19, 2025, until all the outstanding issues are adequately resolved,” Gibore said.
Gibore demanded immediate and unconditional recognition and empanelment of health providers and practitioners registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council as provided under the Clinical Officers Act No. 20 of 2017.
He further said the Social Health Authority Board should immediately reinstate pre-authorisation rights to clinical officers including specialists.
He additionally demanded full implementation of the Return-to-Work Agreement between the union and employers (ministry of Health and 47 county governments) before January 19, 2025.
