A fresh dispute has emerged between the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) over delays in signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
KUCO claims that Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is stalling the process ahead of a planned national strike.
KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore said the government had approved the CBA at key levels, except for the Health Ministry.
“Treasury and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission have accepted it; it is only CS Aden Duale who is yet to do so. We shall officially start our strike on December 23, and we will close all hospitals across the country,” Gibore said.
KUCO National Chairperson Peter Wachira added that the negotiations had concluded months ago.
“We concluded the negotiations. The documents are printed and have been on the CS’s desk for three months,” he said.
However, CS Duale said the document has not reached him and dismissed claims of deliberate delays.
“On the issue they are raising, it concerns only clinicians working in the national government. I do not sign documents immediately upon receipt. In fact, I have not seen this one,” he said during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday.
The CS defended his record on handling health sector labour disputes, noting that since assuming office, he has addressed several outstanding healthcare industrial issues.
“I have posted interns at the rate requested, in consultation with the National Treasury and the Presidency. I have ensured that UHC staff, including clinicians, are now earning at SRC rates,” he said.
Duale added that he will act once the CBA formally reaches his office, emphasising that the matter involves both national and county governments.
“When it is brought, I will review it, consult the National Treasury, consult the SRC, and sign it. I aim to sign before the end of next week. This will also affect clinicians working at county level, so coordination with the Council of Governors is necessary,” he said.
The CS further reiterated his commitment to dialogue with KUCO leadership.
“I maintain an open-door policy, particularly with the KUCO chairman and secretary-general.
Confrontation is not a tool to resolve social issues like healthcare,” he said.
