A looming healthcare crisis was narrowly averted in Machakos County after clinical officers called off a planned strike just hours before it was set to begin.
The strike, which was scheduled to kick off at midnight on Saturday, was suspended following a breakthrough agreement between the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) and the Machakos County Government. The deal was sealed late Friday evening at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, marking the end of a tense standoff that had built up over months of negotiations.
At the heart of the dispute were long-standing grievances, including stalled promotions, salary disparities, and poor working conditions. The newly signed pact commits the county to key reforms, among them: promotions for stagnated clinical officers, salary adjustments, and implementation of structured career progression pathways.
Peterson Wachira, the KUCO National Chairperson, lauded the county for setting a precedent, calling Machakos the first in the country to officially adopt the career guidelines framework for clinical officers. “This agreement is a huge step forward not only for our members but also for the future of health care delivery,” he stated.
His sentiments were echoed by KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore, who emphasized that the agreement addressed both the urgent and systemic issues affecting their members. “We had issued a strike notice last week, but after intense discussions, we’ve reached common ground,” said Gibore. “The county has committed to implement promotions in line with our career progression guidelines, which will help resolve the long-standing issue of job stagnation.”
Representing the county government, County Secretary Muia Ndambuki expressed relief at the resolution and praised the spirit of dialogue that had carried both parties to a consensus. “This is a significant win for the people of Machakos,” he said. “We have diffused a crisis and reaffirmed our commitment to the welfare of our clinical officers, who are an essential pillar of our health system.”
Ndambuki also credited Governor Wavinya Ndeti for her unwavering support throughout the negotiation process, noting that the breakthrough is a reflection of her administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare, a cornerstone of her leadership agenda.
As part of the agreement, KUCO will present the signed documents in court to demonstrate compliance with a previous judicial directive urging dialogue over industrial action.
The deal brings to a close a seven-month standoff and signals renewed cooperation between clinical officers and the county government a critical development for the healthcare sector in Machakos.
