Clinicians Issue Seven-Day Strike Notice Over Broken Deal in Machakos
According to KUCO, the county had promised to implement long-overdue promotions and salary adjustments starting May 2025, following a directive by Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Clinicians in Machakos County have issued a seven-day strike notice, accusing the county government of dishonesty and ignoring a court-sanctioned agreement meant to improve their working conditions. Photo/Citizen Digital.
By Brian Kiprop
Clinicians in Machakos County have issued a seven-day strike notice, accusing the county government of dishonesty and ignoring a court-sanctioned agreement meant to improve their working conditions.
The storm broke on Thursday at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where officials of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) waited for over three hours for a signing ceremony with county officials — only to be left standing in the cold.
“We had an agreement ready to be signed. This wasn’t a negotiation, just a formality. But no one from the county showed up,” said KUCO National Chairperson Peterson Wachira, visibly frustrated.
According to KUCO, the county had promised to implement long-overdue promotions and salary adjustments starting May 2025, following a directive by Governor Wavinya Ndeti. But nothing has materialized.
“We’ve waited since December. All we’ve received are empty promises,” said KUCO Secretary General George Gibore, who revealed that over 300 clinicians have been stuck in the same job group without progression for more than seven months.
The union now says enough is enough.
“It’s very unfortunate that we’re being pushed to this point. We’re simply asking for what’s already been agreed upon and even backed by a court order,” Gibore added.
KUCO Deputy Chairperson Boniface Mitambo further accused the county of deliberate sabotage.
“Every time we agree on timelines, they shift goalposts. It’s clear that the county is unwilling to obey court orders or commit to any meaningful engagement.”
Their demands include:
Immediate promotions for eligible clinicians
Salary adjustments based on the new national career guide
Official designation changes
Full implementation of the signed court agreement
The looming strike could paralyze services in Machakos County hospitals just as the health system struggles to stabilize post-COVID disruptions.
Reached for comment, Machakos Health Minister Justus Kasivu downplayed the tension. Speaking by phone, he assured that the agreement is “ready and will be signed next week.”
But KUCO isn’t buying it.
“If they were serious, they would’ve shown up today. We are done waiting,” said Wachira.
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