Kenya’s public healthcare system is bracing for widespread disruption as clinical officers commence a nationwide strike at midnight tonight. The industrial action, announced by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), follows the expiry of a 21-day notice and threatens to halt essential services for millions of Kenyans who depend on public hospitals.

The strike action places the health of ordinary citizens in jeopardy, as clinical officers are the frontline providers in most local health centres and county hospitals. Their absence will severely limit access to everything from maternal and emergency care to routine outpatient services, potentially forcing families to seek expensive private alternatives or forgo treatment altogether.

Unmet Promises at Heart of Dispute

At the core of the standoff is the government's repeated failure to sign and implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was concluded in August 2025. In a letter to the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, KUCO General Secretary and CEO George Gibore stated that the government had failed to honour return-to-work agreements signed as far back as July 2024.

The union argues that this delay has left its members exposed to unsafe working conditions, understaffing, and immense mental pressure. KUCO leaders accused the Ministry of Health and county governors of showing little goodwill in resolving the disputes, making the strike inevitable.

A List of Long-Standing Grievances

Beyond the primary demand for the CBA, the union has outlined several other unresolved issues that have fueled the industrial action. These include:

• The failure to absorb staff hired under Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund programs into permanent and pensionable positions.
• Lack of backdated promotions and salary increments as advised by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
• Payment of salary arrears, which have reportedly accumulated for up to 16 months in some counties.
• Recognition under the new Social Health Authority (SHA) and the restoration of pre-authorisation rights for clinical specialists.

The union, which has legal protection for the strike, has instructed all its members, including specialists and interns, to stay away from work until a formal settlement is signed and fully implemented.

A Looming Crisis for Patients

With clinical officers providing nearly 99% of outpatient services in Kenya, their withdrawal from Levels 2 to 5 public hospitals will create a significant healthcare gap. As the nation heads into the festive season, the timing of the strike raises concerns of a potential public health emergency, with disease control programs and emergency services expected to be severely hampered. The government has yet to issue a formal public response to the imminent strike.