By Alloys Musyoka
The Kwale Clinical Officers’ strike, which began on May 4th, 2026, has been called off following successful negotiations between the County Government of Kwale and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).
Speaking after the meeting, County Attorney Gombeni said both parties had reached an agreement on all issues raised by the union, including both short-term and long-term concerns affecting clinical officers.
“We may not be able to address all issues at once, but we have agreed on a progressive implementation plan. We appreciate the union members and everyone who contributed towards these discussions,” said Gombeni.
He added that the County Public Service Board, which is newly constituted, will continue engaging the union to ensure the agreed resolutions are implemented.
The industrial action, which had disrupted healthcare services across public health facilities in the county, was primarily driven by demands for implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), payment of salary arrears, promotions, recruitment of additional staff, and implementation of career progression guidelines
KUCO Secretary General George Gibore welcomed the agreement and announced that clinical officers would resume work immediately.
“Based on the agreements reached today, we have agreed to call off the strike and allow implementation of the negotiated terms. Within the next 24 hours, our members will be informed to return to work,” he said.
Gibore noted that the county government had committed to implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 14 days, while additional provisions requiring budgetary allocation will be implemented in the next financial year.
The union also urged the county government to prioritize confirmation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers once the ongoing budget process is concluded.
The agreement paves the way for the resumption of normal healthcare services across Kwale County as both parties work towards implementing the agreed resolutions.
