The strike by clinical officers has officially been called off following successful negotiations with the Ministry of Health.
Health Cabinet Secretary CS Dr. Deborah Barasa confirmed on Wednesday that discussions had been ongoing for several weeks.
“Over the past few weeks, our clinical officers and the Ministry of Health have engaged in extensive and progressive consultations with all relevant stakeholders in a bid to find an amicable resolution to the issues at hand,” Dr. Barasa stated.
She acknowledged the critical role clinical officers play in delivering essential healthcare services and described the agreement as a step forward in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that following productive discussions, the clinical officers’ strike has been called off after successful negotiations between the Ministry of Health and the leadership of the clinical workers’ caucus,” she said.
Dr. Barasa reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing key concerns raised by clinical officers while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for Kenyans.
“The end of this strike marks a significant step towards enhancing our healthcare system through dialogue and mutual understanding. I thank all clinical officers who have resolved to resume duty immediately and urge them to continue working towards a patient-centered healthcare system that guarantees quality and affordable care for all Kenyans.”
The strike had severely affected healthcare services, particularly in Nairobi, where patients struggled to access medical attention due to staff shortages in hospitals.
Medics downed their tools over delayed salaries, stalled promotions, unpaid gratuities, and the reinstatement of staff who were dismissed under unclear circumstances. Many of those affected had previously served under the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) defended the industrial action, citing years of frustration over unfulfilled government commitments.
On their official X handle, KMPDU highlighted the struggles faced by Nairobi’s doctors, some of whom had gone unpaid for four years. The union accused the county government of failing to honor the 2017 collective bargaining agreement and instead resorting to firing medical staff instead of addressing their grievances.
Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of healthcare workers’ involvement in policy-making, particularly in achieving the full implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under Taifa Care.
“Constructive engagement and collaboration remain the best ways to resolve our challenges and achieve sustainable solutions in the health sector,” she said.
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