The Ministry of Health on Monday successfully negotiated and signed a return-to-work agreement with the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), effectively ending the ongoing strike.
Led by Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, the ministry and KUCO leadership signed the agreement which encompasses enhanced salaries, improved employment terms, and comprehensive medical cover for the clinicians.
The deal will also see clinical officers countrywide get expanded training opportunities and reinforced health and safety measures.
The clinical officers had been on strike since March 25, paralysing operations in various public hospitals across the country.
According to MoH, the resolution addresses critical concerns and ensures stability within the healthcare sector.
“The Ministry extends its gratitude to KUCO for their cooperation and commitment to reaching this important agreement,” a statement by the Ministry read in part.
On July 8, 2024, KUCO reached an agreement with the Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and ordered its members to return to work.
“We began our strike on April 1, after seven days of notice, we have been on strike until today when today by virtue of signing this return to work we are officially declaring our strike has come to an end,” KUCO stated.
“Our members shall resume duty in their respective place of work starting today and not less than 24 hours from the date herein.”
KUCO reached the agreement shortly after President William Ruto appointed the union’s National Gender Secretary Jacinta Rwamba to the Presidential Taskforce on Addressing Human Resources for Health.
The months-long strike had left public hospitals across the country in a mess as Kenyans struggled to access basic healthcare services since clinicians handle almost 99 per cent of outpatient clinical services.
