Clinical officers in Nairobi have accused Governor Johnson Sakaja of overseeing a serious decline in the city’s healthcare services and ignoring reforms meant to improve their working conditions, as they prepare for mass demonstrations set for Wednesday, July 17.

Through a strongly-worded statement on Monday, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) said the planned protests will take place in Nairobi, where a public petition will be presented demanding urgent action to rescue what they described as a failing public health system.

The union also faulted the county government for not implementing career progression guidelines that would benefit hundreds of clinical officers.

“Many facilities around Nairobi are not functioning optimally, and those still operational are doing so under strained conditions. What is most alarming is the carefree attitude of the county government toward this crisis,” said KUCO National Chairperson Peterson Wachira.

The announcement comes as more than 500 clinical officers remain on strike for the third month, citing unfulfilled promises by the county. Their complaints include delayed promotions, lack of structured career growth, and a freeze on staff re-designations.

The union said the situation has persisted even after the Public Service Commission issued directives in May 2024 requiring the county to implement the career progression guidelines without delay.

“Our members have stagnated in the same job group for years. We now have a national policy document that provides for structured career growth from internship to retirement, but the county has failed to act,” said Stephen Muthama, KUCO Nairobi Branch Chair.

KUCO Secretary General George Gibore said Nairobi’s health system has collapsed under the watch of county officials, whom he accused of incompetence and deliberately frustrating efforts to end the strike.

“The people entrusted with this docket have failed. Even after 83 days of strike, nothing is happening. Health facilities are crumbling and residents continue to suffer,” said Gibore.

According to KUCO, services in the county’s public hospitals are in near-total paralysis. Operations have stalled at 74 Level 2, 43 Level 3, and 12 Level 4 facilities. The only Level 5 hospital in Nairobi is partially functional and is being run by interns, offering very limited services.

The union further called on other elected leaders in the city—including the Senator and Woman Representative—to step forward and address the issue, arguing that the healthcare crisis goes beyond the governor’s office.

“We have prepared for peaceful demonstrations and a public petition, and we are reminding Nairobi residents that this is not just a governor’s issue. We want to hear from all leaders elected to serve Nairobi,” Gibore added.