The ongoing strike by clinical officers in Kiambu County has now lasted over 74 days, as the health workers demand better terms of service.In their petition, the clinicians argue that the current terms of service for contractual engagements are discriminatory and undermine their professional contributions.
The clinical officers stated that they are often employed as hospital casuals under unfavorable payment terms, which they say devalues their expertise and violates fair labor standards.
On Friday, the Kiambu clinical officers staged a demonstration in Kiambu town, where they presented their grievances to the county government and assembly through the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).
KUCO’s national chairman, Peterson Wachira, said there are cases of clinicians who have completed their contracts but are yet to receive their entitled gratuity, which he termed “unjust and financially burdensome.”The union also raised concerns about the shortage of clinical officers in the county, which they say is insufficient to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
They further argued that clinical officers are underrepresented in key positions within the Ministry of Health.The clinical officers are demanding the redesignation of their job groups, the ability to pursue master’s degree programs, and the enhancement of health risk allowance as per the 2021 return-to-work agreement.
Kiambu health executive Elias Maina acknowledged the impact of the strike on patients, urging the clinical officers to return to work while the county engages with their demands. He warned that the county may be forced to advertise the positions if the strike persists, as patients are suffering from the lack of clinical officers to attend to them.
The clinical officers have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the health workers and the Kiambu County government.
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