The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has threatened sustained industrial action after accusing the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health of failing to respond to grievances raised during a nationwide strike called in December 2025.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, KUCO General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer George Gilbore Maroah expressed regret over the continued silence from both government entities.

“It is deeply regrettable that neither the Council of Governors nor the Ministry of Health have meaningfully responded to the grievances formally raised by KUCO on our strike dated 2nd December 2025,” Maroah stated.

Impact on healthcare delivery

The union leader warned that the continued inaction by authorities is frustrating health workers and denying thousands of Kenyans access to functioning healthcare.

Maroah said the persistent failure to address the union’s lawful demands raises serious questions about accountability and governance in the health sector.

“Their continued silence and inaction not only frustrate health workers but deny thousands of Kenyans access to functioning care and raise serious questions about accountability and governance,” he said.

The KUCO boss argued that the failure to respond could be construed as an implied admission of responsibility for the disruption currently facing the health sector.

“Such persistent failure to address lawful unchallenged demands in the public and legal eye be construed as tacit admission of responsibility for the resulting harm to health service delivery,” Maroah stated.

The union secretary further cautioned that allowing the health sector to deteriorate without intervention amounted to poor leadership and risked setting a dangerous precedent.

“Allowing the health sector to deteriorate unchecked is reckless governance; it risks normalising demonstrations as the only effective route for citizens to secure basic rights,” he said.

KUCO’s demands

Maroah has outlined four specific demands that must be met to avert prolonged industrial action.

First, the union is calling for the implementation of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Salary Review Phases 3 and 4.

Second, they are demanding the signing and operationalisation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Third, KUCO wants Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms.

Fourth, the union is demanding clearance of all outstanding arrears for Global Fund staff.

“As KUCO, therefore we call upon the relevant duty bearers to act without further delay, implement Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Salary Review Phases 3 & 4, sign and operationalise the CBA, transition UHC staff to permanent & pensionable (PNP) terms, and clear all outstanding arrears for Global Fund staff, or be prepared to face sustained lawful industrial action and legal challenge,” Maroah warned.

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