By Eddah Waithaka
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has resumed its nationwide strike, effective midnight on February 17, 2025, after the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors failed to address key grievances. These include stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, inadequate medical coverage, and delays in implementing career guidelines.
The strike, which had been paused 21 days ago following government assurances, has now restarted, disrupting services in all public healthcare facilities, including national referral hospitals.
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KUCO voiced frustration over the lack of progress, especially after the Council of Governors sent a letter on February 14, 2025, seeking a 21-day extension for CBA talks while failing to include crucial commitments like absorbing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent positions.
“The Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors have failed to honor their promises, leaving us with no choice but to resume the strike,” KUCO stated.
The union emphasized the government’s failure to act on resolutions from a January 14, 2025, meeting, particularly the contracting and payment of benefits to licensed facilities and practitioners via the Social Health Authority (SHA).
KUCO also condemned the exclusion of critical healthcare stakeholders, such as clinical officers, from the ongoing Health Summit at the Deputy President’s residence. “This deliberate exclusion undermines meaningful reforms and perpetuates the status quo,” the union stated.
The union also highlighted the absence of comprehensive medical coverage for clinical officers and the inadequate recruitment to address staffing shortages, both of which are essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). “Neglecting these issues severely undermines healthcare delivery nationwide,” KUCO stressed.
The union has urged employers to take immediate steps to resolve these grievances and reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue. “We remain open to meaningful discussions to resolve these challenges for the benefit of our members and the public,” the statement concluded.
The renewed strike reflects escalating tensions between healthcare workers and the government, with public healthcare services once again suffering the consequences of unresolved disputes.
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