KUCO Drops 21-Day Strike Notice

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has issued a 21-day strike notice accusing the Ministry of Health and county governments of failing to address long-standing grievances affecting its members. The union says that unless they take urgent action, clinical officers across the country will down their tools on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Union Accuses Ministry of Delayed CBA Signing

According to KUCO Secretary General George Gibore, the Ministry of Health has not honored their commitments. Despite concluding negotiations, the Ministry has allegedly failed to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It is required to facilitate court registration and full implementation.

Gibore noted that this delay has strained trust between the union and the government.
He emphasized that clinical officers expected the CBA to be signed within 60 days, as outlined in the previous agreement.

Counties Yet to Implement Revised SRC Pay Structure

In addition, KUCO accused several county governments of ignoring the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommendations..
The counties have also reportedly failed to clear salary arrears linked to the new salary structure.

Consequently, the union argues that the refusal to implement these adjustments undermines dialogue. This violates the spirit of negotiated agreements.

21-Day Ultimatum Before Nationwide Strike

As a result of these unresolved issues, KUCO issued the 21-day strike notice effective November 3.
The union warned that all clinical officers will withdraw their services if the ministry and county governments fail to act within the given timeline.

The union is now urging the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors to urgently set a date for signing the CBA and resuming stalled negotiations.

Tension Rises as Siaya Doctors Also Down Tools

Meanwhile, tensions in the health sector escalated further after doctors in Siaya County went on strike.
The industrial action follows an alleged attack on a young medic by a senior county official on Sunday, November 30.

In a letter to the county’s Secretary and Head of Public Service, KMPDU Nyanza Branch Secretary Aggrey Orwenyo condemned the incident, citing it as a violation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 155 on workplace safety.

Orwenyo stated that Siaya doctors will remain on strike until Governor James Orengo’s administration takes disciplinary action against the official.

Growing Concerns Over Health Sector Stability

Overall, the ongoing disputes highlight rising unrest within Kenya’s healthcare system.
Unless the government moves swiftly to address these concerns, both clinical officers and doctors could paralyze essential medical services across the country.