In a significant development for Kenya’s healthcare sector, clinicians in Machakos County called off a planned strike just two hours before it was scheduled to begin at midnight on Saturday. The decision came after the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) reached a groundbreaking agreement with the Machakos County Government aimed at resolving long-standing grievances.
The agreement, signed at Machakos Level 5 Hospital on Friday evening, covers key issues including the long-overdue promotion of clinical officers, salary increments, and the improvement of working conditions. This landmark deal positions Machakos as the first county in the country to implement career progression guidelines for clinical officers—a major milestone in the union’s seven-month negotiation process.
KUCO National Chairperson Peterson Wachira lauded the county’s leadership, calling the move a “win for healthcare workers and residents alike.” His sentiments were echoed by KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore, who emphasized that the agreement also addresses job stagnation and pay disparities, with promotions now aligned to established career guidelines.
County Secretary Muia Ndambuki hailed the agreement as a breakthrough and a testament to the county’s commitment to healthcare reform. He credited the county’s proactive leadership for prioritizing dialogue and reaffirmed that supporting clinical officers remains central to delivering quality health services.
“This is a win for Machakos and an affirmation of the governor’s promise that healthcare is a cornerstone of her development agenda,” said Ndambuki.
Following the agreement, KUCO pledged to submit the signed documents to the courts as evidence of compliance and successful dispute resolution, effectively closing the chapter on a potentially disruptive industrial action.
The Machakos agreement now sets a precedent for other counties across Kenya to follow in addressing systemic challenges within the health sector.
