In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, and the Council of Governors (COG), KUCO said persistent delays in implementing negotiated commitments had left industrial action as the only remaining option.
According to the union, a Return-to-Work Agreement signed on July 8, 2025 between KUCO and the Council of Governors laid out specific timelines for concluding negotiations and addressing workers’ demands. However, the union says that none of the agreed steps have been implemented.
“The agreement now remains unfulfilled by the Council,” KUCO stated in its letter.
The union also noted stalled progress on another key agreement signed on July 27, 2024, in which the Ministry of Health committed to finalising and signing a long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 60 days.
Despite negotiations being completed, KUCO says the ministry has failed to sign the document, preventing its registration in court and subsequent implementation.
Health Workers Exposed to Risks
KUCO warned that the delays have worsened the working conditions of clinical officers, exposing them to numerous hazards without adequate protections.
“The failure to conclude and sign the CBA has resulted in significant lapses in addressing issues that expose our members to occupational health hazards and mental health challenges,” the letter read.
Additionally, the union accused several county governments of refusing to implement the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) reviewed remuneration structure for the 3rd and 4th cycles, including payment of accumulated arrears.
KUCO outlined four conditions that must be met within the 21-day notice period to avert a nationwide strike:
Immediate signing of the concluded CBA by the Ministry of Health.
Immediate resumption and conclusion of CBA negotiations by the Council of Governors.
Implementation of the SRC-reviewed remuneration structure for the 3rd and 4th cycles, including settlement of all arrears.
Absorption of all Global Fund and UHC staff by county governments.
The union said continued inaction by government institutions has undermined trust and left health workers frustrated.
“This act erodes the trust we have tried to build through negotiation. We are now left with no option but to issue this strike notice,” KUCO added.
If the demands are not met, clinical officers across the country will withdraw their services starting midnight on December 22, 2025.
The looming strike comes barely weeks after a five-month doctors’ strike in Kiambu County ended following a mediation process led by the Council of Governors.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chaired the mediation meeting, said the county would honour its commitments, urging both sides to maintain open dialogue to prevent future confrontations.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah confirmed that the strike, which began on May 26, 2025, was formally called off, with doctors instructed to resume duty.
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