Clinical officers in Kenya have continued their strike, demanding that county governments honor a collective bargaining agreement. The industrial action, ongoing since earlier this year, has disrupted healthcare services across the country. Union leaders claim the strike is a last resort after repeated failures to secure promised salary increases and better working conditions.
Peterson Wachira, chairperson of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, explained the situation during a televised interview. He emphasized that the strike is not aimed at harming patients but at ensuring fair treatment for healthcare workers. The union has called for immediate negotiations, citing unresolved issues related to wages and resource allocation.
County governments have yet to respond publicly to the demands, though some have hinted at willingness to engage in dialogue. The prolonged strike has raised concerns among health officials about the impact on patient care. With no resolution in sight, the situation remains tense as both sides await a breakthrough.
The dispute highlights broader challenges in Kenya’s public healthcare system, where resource shortages and underfunding have long been reported. As the strike continues, the government faces pressure to address the grievances of frontline workers.
