Healthcare services in Kenya could face major disruption after the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) issued a 14-day strike notice, citing the government’s failure to implement key provisions of a return-to-work agreement signed in January 2026. In a statement, the union expressed frustration over what it described as continued delays and unmet commitments, warning that clinical officers across the country may down their tools if the issues are not addressed within the stipulated period. The union argues that the government has not honoured several agreements that were meant to improve working conditions and service delivery in public health facilities.
Among the concerns raised are delays in promotions, lack of adequate staffing, and failure to implement agreed salary adjustments. The clinical officers also pointed to persistent challenges in the supply of essential medical equipment and poor working environments, which they say continue to hinder effective healthcare delivery. KUCO officials emphasized that the strike notice is intended to push the government to act swiftly and honour its commitments, noting that dialogue efforts have not yielded meaningful progress. They warned that failure to resolve the matter could lead to a nationwide strike that would significantly impact patients who rely on public healthcare services.
The potential industrial action raises concerns over the already strained health sector, with many facilities struggling to cope with high patient numbers and limited resources. A strike by clinical officers who play a critical role in frontline healthcare could further disrupt services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The government is yet to issue a detailed response to the notice, but pressure is mounting for a quick resolution to avert a crisis in the health sector. Stakeholders are now calling for urgent negotiations to ensure that services continue uninterrupted while addressing the grievances raised by healthcare workers. As the countdown begins, all eyes are on both the government and the union to find common ground and prevent a situation that could negatively affect millions of Kenyans.
