HEALTH: Clinical Officers Announce Nationwide Strike On Tuesday
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has declared that clinical officers will down tools beginning at midnight on Monday, December 22.
The strike began when KUCO’s 21-day notice period expired, citing long-standing disagreements with the Ministry of Health and local administrations.
The union’s demands focused on crucial issues, such as the prompt signing and implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), finalized in August 2025, and backdated promotions.
Clinicians announce nationwide strike
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) December 20, 2025
Patients seeking medical services across the country are bracing for disruption next week, as clinical officers announce they will down their tools come Tuesday, vowing not to offer services in all public health facilities.#NTVAtOne… pic.twitter.com/aYmXVoW97D
They also highlighted concerns about the transition of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Fund employees into permanent and pensionable roles.
They also requested payment of salary arrears in some counties, which had apparently accrued for up to 16 months.
Other important demands included recognition by the Social Health Authority (SHA), the restoration of clinical specialists’ pre-authorization rights, and the provision of risk, home, and commuter benefits.
A FINAL CALL TO ACTION!
— Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (@kUCOofficial) December 22, 2025
Office of the National Chairman @ptason .
STRIKE IS ON!
… All Clinical Officers including specialists and Clinical Interns are expected to be on strike from today midnight… pic.twitter.com/unOBYbxQrq
Clinical officers, who provided practically all outpatient treatments in Kenya, were the foundation of the country’s primary healthcare system.
With the strike in force, services at public hospitals on Levels 2 through 5 will be significantly reduced.
Maternal care, emergency treatments, normal outpatient visits, and disease prevention programs would all be impacted.
Clinical interns would also miss work, causing disruptions in training and ongoing medical education across the country.
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The government’s attempts to put an end to the strike failed. KUCO leaders accused the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors of delaying negotiations and displaying little willingness to resolve the concerns.
While the Ministry of Finance addressed some budgetary issues, the union stated that just a portion of its 19-point demands had been honored.
The strike was legally protected, with court orders prohibiting harassment or intimidation of union members.
KUCO asked its members to continue their strike until a formal settlement was made and completely implemented.
HEALTH: Clinical Officers Announce Nationwide Strike On Tuesday
