Clinical officers have issued a 14-day strike notice over several unresolved grievances by the government.
Through their union, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the officers said there has been a lack of goodwill from the government and state agencies and it is past the agreed timelines.
Led by KUCO Secretary General George Gibson and Chairperson Peterson Wachira, the clinical officers said they are available for constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to find an amicable agreement.
“The union has now resolved to invoke Article 41 of the Constitution of Kenya with the relevant provisions of the law, and call for a strike commencing after the midnight of January 19, 2025, until all the outstanding issues are adequately resolved,” Gibore stated.
The SG demanded immediate and unconditional recognition and empanelment of health providers and practitioners registered and licensed by the Clinical Officers Council as provided under the Clinical Officers Act.
He further said the Social Health Authority Board should immediately reinstate pre-authorisation rights to clinical officers, including specialists.
The union decried discrimination by the Social Health Authority, which does not allow their to offer services to patients insured under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“This discrimination and exclusion have been occasioned by the blatant, illegal, and illogical refusal by SHA to recognise the facilities and practitioners registered and licensed by Clinical Officers Council,” he said.
He additionally demanded full implementation of the Return-to-Work Agreement between the union and employers before the lapse of two weeks.
Gibore noted that the specific provisions of the return-to-work agreement were a collective bargaining agreement- 60 days from the date of signing, promotions, and re-designations from September 1, 2024 and comprehensive medical cover from September 1, 2024.
They are also demanding the confirmation of clinical officers hired under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme to permanent and pensionable terms and conversion of all short-term contractual employment for clinical officers to permanent and pensionable terms.
“Many Kenyans have suffered and continue to suffer due to lack of critical services offered by clinical officers across the country with most of them paying out-of-pocket exposing them to financial hardships against SHA and UGC objectives,” he added.