Kenyan Government reaches agreement with Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, ending strike

KENYA – The Ministry of Health in Kenya successfully negotiated a return-to-work agreement with the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), effectively concluding a prolonged strike that had lasted since March 25. 

The signing ceremony, led by Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, marked a milestone in addressing the concerns of clinical officers who had paralyzed operations in public hospitals across the country.

The agreement includes provisions for enhanced salaries, improved employment terms, and comprehensive medical coverage for clinical officers. 

Furthermore, it promises expanded training opportunities and reinforced health and safety measures, aimed at ensuring better working conditions for healthcare professionals.

 “The Ministry extends its gratitude to KUCO for their cooperation and commitment to reaching this important agreement,” stated a representative from the Ministry of Health.

The strike had severely impacted healthcare delivery, as clinical officers are responsible for nearly 99 percent of outpatient clinical services. 

The situation had reached a critical point, prompting the Ministry to prioritize negotiations. 

KUCO’s Secretary General, George Gibore, expressed relief at the resolution, stating, “We began our strike on April 1, after seven days of notice. By virtue of signing this return to work, we are officially declaring our strike has come to an end.”

The agreement follows a prior arrangement made on July 8, 2024, between KUCO and the Council of Governors (CoG), which was led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki. 

At that time, KUCO had instructed its members to return to work, indicating progress in negotiations. 

“Our members shall resume duty in their respective places of work starting today and not less than 24 hours from the date herein,” KUCO had announced.

The negotiations gained momentum after President William Ruto appointed KUCO’s National Gender Secretary, Jacinta Rwamba, to the Presidential Taskforce on Addressing Human Resources for Health. 

This appointment was seen as a strategic move to enhance dialogue between the government and healthcare professionals.

Despite the resolution, challenges remain within the healthcare sector. The months-long strike had left public hospitals in disarray, as many Kenyans struggled to access essential healthcare services. 

The Ministry of Health’s recent statement emphasized the need for stability within the sector, addressing critical concerns raised by clinical officers.

Looking ahead, the agreement stipulates that the Ministry of Health will negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 60 days of signing the return-to-work formula. 

Additionally, it mandates that county governments promote and re-designate clinical officers in accordance with public service guidelines. 

“The proposed risk allowance shall be negotiated and paid upon approval by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission,” the agreement states.

As clinical officers prepare to resume their duties, the Ministry of Health has pledged to allocate adequate resources to support Universal Health Coverage and ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately compensated. 

The resolution of this strike is a critical step in restoring normalcy to Kenya’s healthcare system, which has faced significant strain in recent months.

 The successful negotiation of this return-to-work agreement signifies a commitment from both the government and clinical officers to improve working conditions and healthcare delivery in Kenya. As Gibore noted, “Our members are eager to return to work and provide the essential services that our communities depend on.”

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