Victory for medics: COG and clinical officers finally ink deal after 8-year standoff

In a landmark move on February 3, 2026, the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) officially signed a return-to-work formula, ending a dispute that has paralyzed health services periodically for nearly a decade. 

44 out of 47 counties have formally signed recognition agreements with the union, ensuring legal protection and collective bargaining rights for clinical officers.

The deal mandates the immediate promotion of clinical officers who have stagnated in the same job groups for years, with a focus on clearing the current backlog.

Governors committed to providing comprehensive medical cover for all clinical officers through the Social Health Authority (SHA) and private providers where necessary.

Both parties agreed to withdraw all pending court cases and disciplinary actions initiated during the strike periods.
A roadmap was established to transition clinical officers currently on short-term contracts to permanent and pensionable terms. 

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, the CoG Health Committee Chair, noted that the agreement brings much-needed stability to the public health sector, while KUCO Secretary General George Gibore termed the signing a “historic victory” for health workers’ dignity.

By Anthony Solly