Kenyan Medics Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Pay and Poor Working Conditions, Urges Action Before December 22

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has issued a 21-day strike notice. The warning targets the Ministry of Health and county governments. KUCO said public health services could collapse if issues are not resolved. The union accused both levels of government of failing to honour return-to-work agreements. It also said they delayed critical commitments affecting thousands of frontline health workers.

In a letter dated December 2, 2025, KUCO said the Ministry of Health has yet to sign the national Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Negotiations concluded over a year ago. The ministry also ignored a 60-day window for signing and registering the CBA under a July 27, 2024, return-to-work deal. The union said delays left clinical officers working in unsafe conditions. They also struggled with unresolved salary, promotion and welfare issues.

KUCO accused county governments of breaching a separate Return-to-Work Agreement signed on July 8, 2025. Many counties failed to implement Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)-approved pay structures for the third and fourth cycles. Some ignored timelines for pay adjustments. Others left arrears unpaid. Several counties also refused to absorb staff under the Global Fund and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes. The union warned that these gaps harm public health delivery.

KUCO listed four immediate demands. First, the Ministry of Health must sign the national CBA. Second, counties must resume and finish CBA negotiations within 21 days. Third, all SRC-approved pay structures and arrears must be implemented. Fourth, counties must absorb all Global Fund and UHC staff. KUCO warned that if these demands are ignored, all members will withdraw services starting December 22, 2025 at midnight. The strike will continue until agreements are fully executed.

KUCO urged the ministry and county governments to act quickly. “Failure to resolve these issues will cripple service delivery in public hospitals,” the union said. Meanwhile, TSC-employed teachers have moved from the AON Minet medical scheme to the new Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA), effective December 1. The scheme expands coverage to a spouse and up to five children, including dependents with disabilities. It also offers broader inpatient and outpatient services, maternity care, dental and optical treatment, evacuations, last expense benefits and overseas care.