Clinical Officers in Machakos Suspend Planned Strike After Reaching Deal with County Government

 

By Ernest Bandi

Clinical officers in Machakos County have suspended their planned strike after reaching a breakthrough agreement with the county government late Friday evening.

The deal, brokered during a marathon meeting led by County Secretary Dr. Ndambuki Muya, brings an end to a standoff that had threatened to paralyze health services across the county. Among the key resolutions are long-awaited job promotions, introduction of new job roles, and measures to address chronic stagnation issues — all outlined under the Career Progression Guidelines that clinical officers have been advocating for.

Speaking after the meeting, George Gibore, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), praised the county’s leadership for taking swift and decisive action.

“We thank the Governor for agreeing that our officers deserve job promotions based on their professional guidelines,” said Gibore. “We have suspended our strike. People should not worry because the county leaders have listened to us. We have postponed the strike so the changes can be implemented.”

Gibore also confirmed that all clinical officers in Machakos should report to work as usual starting Saturday, July 12. He noted that the signed agreements will be taken to court to be formalized, ensuring they are enforceable.

“What we signed today will be taken to court so it becomes like a court order. We want the deal to be followed fully,” he emphasized.

Peterson Wachira, the National Chairperson of KUCO, highlighted that the issue of stagnation predates the current administration.

“The problem of stagnation has been there for many years,” said Wachira. “We commend Governor Wavinya Ndeti for being the first to take concrete action.”

With this agreement, Machakos becomes the first county in Kenya to implement comprehensive health sector reforms based on the clinical officers’ Career Progression Guidelines — a move that could set a precedent for other counties.

The announcement has been met with relief from both health workers and residents, who had been bracing for a disruption in medical services had the strike proceeded as planned.