By Alex Sifuna
A two-week health services paralysis in Bungoma County came to an end after the county government and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) signed a return-to-work agreement, restoring operations across public health facilities.
Patients who had borne the brunt of the strike can now access services following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that addressed key grievances raised by clinical officers.
The industrial action, which had crippled healthcare delivery across the county, was called off after both parties reached a consensus on a raft of issues, including salaries, promotions, and working conditions.
Bungoma County Secretary William Nasong’o, KUCO National Deputy General Secretary Austin Oduor Otieno, Health and Sanitation Executive CPA Chrispinus Barasa, and Chief Officer David Maling’a were among officials present to seal the agreement.
According to the MoU, the county government committed to implementing the approved salary structure as advised by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
“All salary arrears arising from non-implementation shall be computed and paid in full as per the Bungoma County Appropriation Act 2026,” the agreement reads in part.
The county also pledged to pay risk allowances as stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with payments for May and June 2026 to be settled within the current financial year, while arrears will be cleared by July 31.
On career progression, the county undertook to issue promotion and redesignation letters by September 30, 2026, in line with the 2024 career guidelines. The process will consider seniority, years of service, career stagnation, and additional qualifications.
Further, the agreement provides for the immediate appointment of a Director of Clinical Services to head the department in line with approved structures.
In a significant boost to job security, the county will convert 60 clinical officers from contract terms to permanent and pensionable status upon expiry of their current contracts.
The MoU also addresses pending gratuity payments, with the county committing to settle dues owed to 34 clinical officers from the 2020 cohort and 12 from the 2016 cohort through the 2026/27 financial year’s pending bills allocation.
On labour relations, the county assured workers of fair administrative processes and protection from victimisation.
“No employee shall be subjected to dismissal, suspension, or disciplinary action for participating in the lawful industrial action,” the agreement states.
Speaking after the signing, CPA Barasa praised the clinical officers for reaching an agreement and resuming duty.
“This marks a critical milestone in restoring essential health services and safeguarding lives,” he said.
KUCO’s Austin Oduor Otieno lauded Bungoma for taking the lead in resolving disputes.
“Bungoma is the first county to sign and commit to implementing the CBA and addressing pending issues as clinical officers return to work,” he said.
