Clinical officers to launch nationwide strike starting January 19.

Clinical officers have announced plans for a nationwide strike starting January 19 if the government does not address their grievances.

On Monday, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) issued a 14-day strike notice, citing exclusion from the recently launched Social Health Authority (SHA) and violations of last year’s return-to-work agreement.

In a letter addressed to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, and the Council of Governors, among others, KUCO General Secretary and CEO George Gibore criticized the SHA for barring clinical officers from participating in the program. He described this exclusion as discriminatory.

“This exclusion stems from the blatant, illegal, and illogical refusal by the Social Health Authority to recognize facilities and practitioners registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council,” Gibore stated.

He also decried efforts to compel clinical officers to register their facilities with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to be included in the new public healthcare scheme. “These actions reflect institutionalized corruption and self-interest, overshadowing the common good,” he remarked.

Despite reaching out to President William Ruto, Parliament, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and SHA, Gibore said the union has received no response. He further accused the Ministry of Health and county governments of breaching a return-to-work agreement that ended their 99-day strike last year. The agreement included a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, comprehensive medical cover, and transitioning short-term contract workers into permanent and pensionable positions.

“It is disheartening that despite consistent follow-ups, employers, particularly county governments, remain uncooperative,” Gibore lamented.

KUCO is now demanding the immediate and unconditional recognition and inclusion of healthcare providers and practitioners licensed by the Clinical Officers Council. They also want the SHA board to reinstate pre-authorization rights for clinical officers, including specialists, and fully implement the return-to-work agreement by January 19.

“If these demands are not met, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services,” said Gibore. He emphasized, however, that the union remains open to constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably.

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