What clinical officers are demanding
They began their strike on February 18, 2025
21d agoWILLIAM WANYOIKEInfographics
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers has called off their strike, the Ministry of Health has announced.
This follows a meeting between leaders from the union and the ministry where they signed a return-to-work formula.
Heath CS Deborah Barasa said the ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by clinical officers and the role they play in making sure that the health of Kenyans is secured.
She said clinical officers form part of the larger health workforce that plays a critical role in delivering essential healthcare services to Kenyans.
“Over the past few weeks, our clinical officers and the Ministry of Health have engaged in extensive and progressive consultations with all relevant stakeholders in a bid to find an amicable resolution to the issues at hand,” CS Barasa said.
“The clinical officers’ strike has been called off following negotiations between the Ministry of Health and the leadership of our clinical workers’ caucus.”
Barasa said the move marks a significant step in strengthening the healthcare system through dialogue and mutual understanding.
“The government remains committed to addressing the key concerns raised by our clinical officers while ensuring that the healthcare needs of all Kenyans are met without disruption,” she said.
The CS said as the country advances towards the full realisation and implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under Taifa Care, it is imperative that all healthcare workers, including clinical officers, remain actively engaged in shaping policies that improve working conditions, enhance service delivery and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
"I thank all clinical officers who have willingly resolved to resume duty with immediate effect and urge them to continue working towards building a resilient, patient-centered healthcare system that guarantees quality and affordable care for all Kenyans,” Barasa said.
“My Ministry remains open to ensuring that the needs of both healthcare workers and the public are met and/or addressed on time. I reaffirm my commitment to the public to ensure that quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services reach all individuals, in line with the government’s pledge to leave no one behind.”
In January, clinical officers nationwide went on strike, demanding their immediate inclusion in the Social Health Authority (SHA) system and the enforcement of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
They argued that their exclusion hindered significantly access to affordable healthcare for many Kenyans.
