Clinical officers have given national and county governments 21 days to resolve long-running labour disputes, cautioning that they will stop working if nothing changes within the set period.
In a notice dated December 2, 2025, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers said it has reached a breaking point after months of delayed talks and unfulfilled commitments. General Secretary George M Gibore said the union issued the ultimatum because agreements reached in July 2024 and July 2025 have yet to be honoured.
The union noted that although negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement have been completed, the document is still pending signature. It warned that the slow pace has exposed clinical officers to growing risks at work, increased mental strain, and widened disparities in pay and welfare compared to other health professionals.
County administrations were also faulted, with KUCO accusing them of failing to apply salary structures approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. “Several county governments have continually refused to implement the SRC-reviewed remuneration structure for the 3rd & 4th Cycles and settlement of all accompanying arears,” the statement read in part.
KUCO is pushing for four immediate actions: signing of the national CBA, speeding up county-level CBA talks, enforcement of SRC-reviewed salaries, and permanent employment of staff working under the Global Fund and UHC programmes.
The union says these matters have dragged on despite earlier timelines and promises from both sides.
With the 21-day window now counting down, KUCO says clinical officers will withdraw their labour from midnight on December 22, 2025, if there is still no progress. It added that the strike would remain in place until a complete and fully implemented agreement is reached.
The union said it remains willing to engage but urged the Ministry of Health and governors to act urgently to prevent a national disruption of health services.
