Kenya’s Clinical Officers Secure Significant Pay Raise and Employment Benefits
On Wednesday, January 28, the Council of Governors (CoG) and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) reached a landmark agreement, marking a major victory for clinical officers across Kenya. This deal is particularly significant for those funded by the Global Fund and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), who have been working on temporary contracts.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, speaking on behalf of CoG Chair Ahmed Abdullahi, emphasized the commitment of all 47 county governments to implement the resolutions outlined in the agreement. The signing of this first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between CoG and KUCO has set a precedent for future negotiations and labor relations in the healthcare sector.
Key Details of the Pay Raise
As part of the agreement, each clinical officer will receive a pay raise of at least KSh 10,000. This includes a fixed risk allowance of KSh 4,000. Depending on their job category, additional increments from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) compensation review will range from KSh 6,000 to KSh 15,000.
Peterson Wachira, the KUCO national chairman, highlighted that combining the risk allowance with the SRC salary review should result in a rise of at least KSh 10,000 based on the job group. He also stressed that counties must implement the risk allowance and the SRC-recommended salary increases, including arrears.
When Will the Pay Rise Take Effect?
The agreement includes arrears from July 2025, which will be included in all payments, resulting in a substantial seven-month payout. This payout will be factored into February 2026 monthly instalments. The final deal is expected to be signed on Monday, February 2, 2026, ending a 36-day strike.
Governor Sang reaffirmed the commitment of county governments to fully implement the resolutions, ensuring uninterrupted and quality health service delivery to all Kenyans.
Who Else Benefits from the Agreement?
The deal also benefits clinical officers funded by the Global Fund and UHC, who have been employed on temporary contracts. UHC staff whose contracts expire in April and May will have their employment extended through June, transitioning to permanent and pensionable terms starting in July.
Global Fund employees will receive 19 months’ worth of salary arrears, along with the same path to permanent employment. The return-to-work agreement will address these arrears, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health.
Both parties acknowledged the need for long-term solutions that balance employee welfare with the practical constraints of county health systems.
Recent Salary Increases for Civil Servants
In related news, the government increased salaries and allowances for civil servants in the 2025/2026 financial year. This increase came after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved the increment amid challenging economic conditions.
The salary review was announced by the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service, Jane Imbunya, signaling a positive step towards improving public service compensation across the country.