The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has called on all its members to prepare for a nationwide strike set to begin at midnight on Monday, December 22, 2025, following unresolved grievances with the Ministry of Health and county governments.

The strike is expected to affect public health facilities across the country, including those staffed by specialists and clinical interns.

In a statement posted on X dated December 21, 2025, KUCO’s Office of the National Chairman issued a strong call to action under the banner “Prepare for strike!! a call to rise, defend professional dignity and reclaim respect!”

The union reminded members that a strike notice had been issued earlier on December 2, 2025, after being sanctioned by a Special Delegates Conference.

“It further directed that all clinical officers working under the Ministry of Health and county governments, and including specialists & clinical interns, should be on strike from midnight of Monday 22nd December 2025,” read the KUCO statement.

Key issues in dispute

The union outlined several issues that remain unresolved, despite prior engagements with employers.

These include “MoH refusal to sign our CBA which is concluded and printed”; “Failure by county governments through CoG to conclude our CBA in line with RTWF of July 2024”; “Failure by county governments to honour SRC advisory on implementation of 3rd and 4th cycles of salary increment”; “Failure to convert UHC and Global Fund staff to PnP and pay their dues”; and “Contempt of July RTWF which was adopted by court and other RTWAs entered by different branches.”

According to KUCO, attempts to resolve the disputes have been unsuccessful. The statement said, “Employers have not shown any seriousness nor goodwill in addressing these grievances, making the strike inevitable.”

Union calls for unity

KUCO outlined what members stand to gain from the strike, listing the following benefits: enhancement of HRA, adoption of career guidelines in the CBA, increment of basic salary, house allowance, and commuter allowance as directed by the SRC, as well as dignity and respect.

The union emphasised the importance of collective action, stating, “Therefore, we must all play our role. As the NEC negotiates to bring it home, all members must go on strike and remain on strike until advised otherwise by the Union. Any victimisation or intimidation should be promptly reported to the union through branch officials, and no one should respond to threats from employers directly.”

The message concluded with a reminder on solidarity, noting: “Let’s be reminded that the strength of the Union lies in the unity of its members, which is constantly tested during collective activities like the forthcoming strike.”

The announcement comes as the country approaches the festive season, a period when demand for healthcare services traditionally rises, raising concerns over potential disruptions in service delivery nationwide.