Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has issued a stern warning to Nairobi County government, vowing to begin daily demonstrations starting on Wednesday due to administration’s failure to resolve a protracted healthcare crisis caused by a three-month-long strike by clinical officers.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, KUCO National Chair Peterson Wachira expressed deep concern over what he termed as the ‘carefree attitude’ of the county government in addressing the ongoing healthcare inactivity.

The chair revealed that about 550 clinical officers have been on strike for the past 83 days yet the county government has shown no urgency in resolving the matter.

“Outpatient services and theatre operations in most dispensaries, health centres and Level Four hospitals in Nairobi have stalled and only emergency services are available,” he reiterated.

Wachira accused county officials of frustrating negotiations and turning engagements into a ‘circus’ adding that repeated meetings have yielded no meaningful results.

“We are here to call them out for denying Nairobians their constitutional right to quality health, as stated in Article 43 of the Constitution,” declared Wachira.

Calling on Nairobi residents to join their demonstrations, the chair pointed out that the county government had failed its people, insisting that if nothing changes by Wednesday, the Union will hold daily protests.

“We are inviting all affected citizens, especially those who have been unable to access medical care, to join us in this fight,” he rallied.

In is support of the strike action, Stephen Muthama, the chair of KUCO Nairobi Branch, echoed the Union’s frustrations, outlining their three key demands that include the posting of five appointed clinical officers, implementation of career progression guidelines, and promotion and re-designation of long-serving officers.

“Our members have stagnated in the same job groups for years. We now have a policy framework that outlines their career path from internship to retirement, yet the county government continues to ignore its implementation,” Muthama lamented.

He criticised the county administration for repeatedly asking for more time without taking tangible action.

“Governor Sakaja promised Nairobians a city of order, dignity and opportunity. Sadly, his own officers are frustrating that vision,” Muthama charged.

General Secretary George Gibore also observed the governor’s apparent neglect.

“Governor Sakaja may not be the one directly frustrating us, but those he has entrusted with the health docket have failed him and the people of Nairobi. Worse still is his silence,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Gibore acknowledged the governor’s previous efforts, including converting contract health workers to permanent terms, but warned that goodwill without consistent action is meaningless.

Particularly, the general secretary alluded to a previous Governor Evans Kidero, a medic, who he claimed failed the union but in a surprising twist showered the former Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko with praise, who according to the union performed better in the health sector.

Further, Gibore accused the county government of undermining the strike by deploying interns as primary healthcare providers, in violation of standard protocols.

“These interns are supposed to be under supervision, yet the supervisors themselves are on strike. This compromises patient care,” he implored.

Meanwhile, the Union, in a passionate appeal, demanded accountability from the governor and all health department heads.

“We remind the governor that it was your promise to uplift Nairobi’s healthcare system. If you fail in this most basic duty, we question whether you should still be called ‘His Excellency,” said one member.

The Union further called on Nairobi’s Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Senators to intervene, reminding them that the people they represent are suffering as healthcare is a right and not a luxury.

As Nairobi faces a near collapse in its clinical services, KUCO’s planned demonstrations signal a heightened standoff with City Hall. With over 87 per cent of clinical services dependent on these officers, the strike has had a devastating impact on the county’s healthcare delivery.

In solidarity, the union maintained that it will not back down until its demands are met, and clinical officers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as medical professionals.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wendy Sheilla and Yvone Wanjiru