Clinical officers are urging the court to mandate the registrar of trade unions to permit them to establish their own organization. They argue that creating a union similar to those of doctors and nurses would empower them to advocate for improved salaries.
Peterson Wachira, the chairman of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, asserts that the clinical officers have been unjustly denied their right to associate by being prevented from registering the Union of Kenya Clinical Officers (UKCO). In light of ongoing grievances, the clinical officers have warned of a potential strike if the government does not take action to address their concerns. During the recent court proceedings, the respondents failed to appear, prompting Justice Nduma Nderi to schedule a hearing for February 13.
The clinical officers highlighted the dire conditions under which they work, often enduring 24-hour shifts without a proper framework for negotiating favorable terms and conditions of service. They emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the human suffering caused by overwork, particularly as this situation unfolds alongside a protracted doctors’ strike that has lasted nearly two months.
The court has granted KMPDU officials an additional five days to finalize negotiations aimed at resolving the strike. Last month, these officials were found in contempt of court for not adhering to a previous order to suspend their strike, resulting in a one-month suspended prison sentence. The fate of the doctors’ officials will be determined on February 3, 2017.