Clinical officers in Kenya are continuing their nationwide strike, with a particular focus on Kiambu County, which they accuse of offering some of the worst working conditions in the country.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) maintains that the strike is a last resort after all other attempts to resolve the dispute have failed. They specifically criticize the Kiambu County government for:
- Unfair Contracts: KUCO alleges Kiambu County employs clinical officers on irregular and exploitative contracts. Some reportedly receive only Sh18,000 to Sh35,000 per month for over five years, significantly lower than what they believe is fair compensation.
- Lack of Benefits: The union claims Kiambu County fails to provide its clinical officers with comprehensive medical coverage, a crucial benefit for healthcare workers.
- Stalled Negotiations: KUCO accuses Governor Kimani Wamatangi of neglecting to address their demands, including a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) outlining fair wages and benefits, and the absorption of contracted clinical officers into permanent positions.
The situation has become heated. KUCO Secretary General George Gibore blames Governor Wamatangi for the ongoing strike, stating, “He is the one in contempt of court,” referring to an earlier court ruling. Gibore further accuses Wamatangi of hypocrisy, demanding the Governor “live within the principles of justice” and “purge his contempt” before calling for an end to the strike.
Governor Wamatangi has threatened to withhold salaries of striking medical personnel and even replace them with new hires.
KUCO remains unimpressed by calls from religious leaders and government officials urging a return to work while negotiations continue. They view these efforts as contributing to the current impasse.
With both sides holding firm, the strike continues to disrupt healthcare services in Kiambu County and across Kenya. A resolution appears unlikely until either KUCO’s demands are met or the union is compelled to return to work.
