Clinical officers across Kenya will down their tools starting at midnight on Monday, December 22, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has announced. The strike comes after the expiration of a 21-day notice period, as longstanding disputes with the Ministry of Health and county governments remain unresolved.
The union is demanding the immediate signing and implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) finalized in August 2025, along with backdated promotions. They also seek the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund staff into permanent, pensionable positions, and the payment of salary arrears, which in some counties have reportedly accumulated for up to 16 months.
Other demands include recognition under the Social Health Authority (SHA), restoration of pre-authorisation rights for clinical specialists, and full implementation of risk, house, and commuter allowances.
Clinical officers, who deliver nearly 99% of outpatient services, form the backbone of Kenya’s primary healthcare system. With the strike in effect, maternal care, emergency services, routine outpatient consultations, and disease control programmes across Levels 2 to 5 public hospitals will be severely disrupted. Clinical interns will also stay away, affecting training and medical education nationwide.
Attempts by the government to halt the strike have failed, with KUCO accusing authorities of delaying negotiations and showing little goodwill. While the Ministry of Finance has addressed some financial aspects, only a fraction of the union’s 19-point demands have been met.
The strike is legally protected, and KUCO has instructed members to maintain it until a formal settlement is signed and fully implemented.