Clinical officers in Busia County, Kenya, have ended their over two-month strike after signing a return-to-work agreement with the county government. The strike, which began on July 20, 2026, had disrupted services in public health facilities, forcing some patients to seek treatment in private facilities. The agreement, signed by the county government and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), addresses key grievances raised by the clinicians.
The agreement was signed by County Public Service Board Chairperson Michael Aringo and KUCO representatives. Aringo stated that the agreement addressed six key issues, including the implementation and signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), payment of various areas, and re-absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff. He assured citizens of Busia that medical services would resume smoothly in all public health facilities.
KUCO Busia Branch Secretary Sedric Alusa announced that union members would return to work within 24 hours. Alusa stated that all grievances had been settled, including the signing of the CBA, career progression guidelines, and provision of comprehensive medical cover for all county government employees. The county government had also committed to addressing outstanding issues, including implementation of career progression guidelines and payment of arrears resulting from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) salary increment.
The strike had significantly impacted patients seeking treatment in county hospitals and public health facilities. With the agreement in place, patients can now access medical services in public facilities. The county government has assured citizens that medical services will be provided without interruption.
The agreement was signed in the presence of County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Management and Governance Pamela Awori, Deputy County Secretary Laurent Murunga, and other county government officials. The signing ceremony marked a significant step towards resolving the industrial action and restoring normal operations in public health facilities.
Key issues addressed in the agreement include the signing of the CBA, career progression guidelines, and provision of comprehensive medical cover. The county government has also committed to paying 19 months' arrears of SRC increment. KUCO has undertaken to inform its members to return to work immediately.
The end of the strike is expected to restore normal operations in public health facilities, providing relief to patients who had been forced to seek treatment in private facilities. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the resolution of the industrial action, and patients can now access medical services without interruption.
Key points
- The Busia clinical officers' strike ended after signing a return-to-work agreement with the county government.
- The agreement addressed key grievances, including the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and provision of comprehensive medical cover.
- Patients can now access medical services in public health facilities without interruption.
