Health Committee Seeks More Evidence on Clinical Officers’ Unpaid Salaries

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health has called for additional documentation from the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) to support claims of prolonged unpaid salaries among health workers previously engaged under the Global Fund Tuberculosis (TB) Programme.

During a meeting held at Bunge Towers on Thursday, the committee, chaired by Ndhiwa MP Hon. Martins Owino, engaged KUCO officials who presented a memorandum outlining the plight of clinical officers affected by delays in salary payments and stalled employment transitions.

KUCO Secretary General George Gibore, accompanied by union officials, accused the government of failing to implement prior agreements that would transition staff under the donor-funded TB programme into permanent and pensionable terms. He revealed that many clinical officers have gone without pay for up to 21 months, pushing them into financial distress.

“Many of our members have gone 21 months without salaries, leaving them in very difficult circumstances,” said Gibore.

Committee members, including Moyale MP Hon. Prof. Jaldesa Guyo and Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, expressed concern over the allegations but emphasized the need for comprehensive evidence to support the claims. They urged the union to submit additional documents, including correspondence with the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors.

“We need more evidence, including communication letters with government entities. This documentation will enable us to assist you better,” said Hon. Owino.

The committee’s request signals a cautious approach as lawmakers seek to verify the claims before taking further action. If substantiated, the issue could raise broader concerns about the management of donor-funded health programmes and the welfare of frontline health workers in Kenya.

The KUCO officials are expected to submit the requested documentation in the coming days as the committee continues its inquiry.