Public hospitals across the country could soon face major disruptions after the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) issued a 14-day strike notice over what it describes as the government’s failure to honour agreements and address long-standing concerns affecting healthcare workers.
In a notice addressed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Labour CS Alfred Mutua and the Council of Governors, the union accused both the national and county governments of failing to implement commitments made earlier this year despite several rounds of consultations.
KUCO warned that if its grievances are not resolved within the next 14 days, clinical officers will withdraw their services, a move that could significantly affect healthcare delivery in public health facilities.
The union said the strike notice was issued in line with the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act, the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Return-to-Work Formula signed in January this year.
Among the issues raised is the delayed absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund health workers into permanent and pensionable terms. The union argues that many healthcare workers have continued serving on short-term contracts, leaving them with job insecurity and unequal employment conditions.
KUCO also wants the government to settle gratuity owed to eligible UHC and Global Fund workers who have served on contract for several years.
The union further protested the placement of newly recruited clinical officers in Job Group H instead of Job Group J, saying the move goes against the Public Service Commission’s career guidelines issued in May 2024 and has denied affected officers better pay and career progression.
It also accused the government of failing to fully implement key provisions of the January 2026 return-to-work agreement, including the implementation of the CBA and payment of the health risk allowance.
If the dispute remains unresolved, the planned strike is expected to affect services in public hospitals where clinical officers play a critical role in diagnosing illnesses, treating patients and providing emergency medical care.
The strike notice comes at a time when UHC workers in several counties have also threatened industrial action over delays in their transition to permanent and pensionable employment.
The Ministry of Health has maintained that the process is underway, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale saying the government is working closely with county governments and other stakeholders to ensure the transition is completed smoothly without disrupting healthcare services.
