NAIROBI — Public healthcare services in Nairobi remain in crisis as the strike by clinical officers enters its 83rd day, with the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) directly blaming Governor Johnson Sakaja for inaction and administrative delays.
Speaking Monday during a press briefing in Nairobi, KUCO Secretary General George Gibore said the prolonged strike has severely disrupted operations in the city’s major hospitals, with Level 4 and Level 5 facilities worst hit. According to the union, 74 Level 2 facilities and 42 Level 3 centers have also been fully paralyzed.
“This is a formal call to the Governor of Nairobi City County, His Excellency Johnson Sakaja, to take full political and administrative responsibility for this healthcare crisis,” Gibore said.
He added that the stalemate could be resolved only through meaningful talks and respect for health workers’ rights.
“The citizens of Nairobi deserve quality care. Our members deserve respect and professional recognition. This cannot be solved with threats or propaganda,” he added.
The clinical officers are demanding implementation of career progression guidelines, job group redesignations, and promotions that were approved in May 2024 but remain unfulfilled. The union also accused the county of sidelining five clinical officers previously employed under the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), saying their posting and regularization remain unresolved.
Gibore also raised alarm over interns being forced to handle services in affected facilities without proper supervision, a move he said goes against established internship policies.
Currently, 12 Level 4 facilities are completely shut down, while the sole Level 5 hospital is only partially operational. According to KUCO, interns are being used to fill critical gaps under unsafe and unsanctioned conditions.
The union’s remarks come amid mounting pressure on county governments to resolve disputes with health workers across the country. Just days ago, nurses issued a separate 26-day strike notice over similar complaints.
Governor Sakaja has yet to issue a formal response to KUCO’s latest demand. In recent weeks, Nairobi residents have voiced frustration over the lack of access to emergency and outpatient care in public hospitals, with many being forced to seek costly private alternatives.
With no signs of negotiation underway, the city’s health crisis is poised to worsen unless county leadership intervenes. KUCO maintains it is open to dialogue but insists the county must act decisively.
“Our message is simple: fix the system, honor the agreement, and treat healthcare workers with dignity,” Gibore said.
About the Author
