Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers issue a strike notice

In a statement by Union Secretary General Pius Nyakundi on Tuesday, the laboratory officers gave an ultimatum to both the national and county governments to confirm all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) interns and other employees into Permanent and Pensionable terms among other concerns.

The laboratory officers want better working conditions, improved employment terms,  promotions and comprehensive medical cover.

According to the Union, the Ministry has failed to implement a previous agreement that sought to resolve some of the needs of KNUMLO.

 “We formally give both levels of Government (National and 47 County Governments) a Seven (7) days’ strike notice for the following reasons:- Failure by the Government to formulate a Recognition Agreement with the Union despite having met the requisites of the Law even after several attempts to have this matter amicably resolved,” read the statement.

“Failure to act on the above-mentioned matters, the strike shall Commence on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 0000hrs, and shall continue until all the matters herein are fully resolved.”

KNUMLO while underscoring its role in the medical fraternity said the Ministry had failed to recognize its efforts in the healthcare provision.

“…That within seven (7) days for both levels of government to sign with us the Recognition Agreement which we have already served upon them, the government immediately confirms ALL UHC workers, CHERP, UHC interns, NTLD-PGlobal Fund Employees, those employed through hospital Boards into Permanent and Pensionable terms,” KNUMLO stated.

“The government to immediately start recognizing Medical Laboratory Professionals as an integral part of Health Care system, stop the discrimination and exclusion of the professionals in Decision Making and Bring all the Laboratory Managers into the Health Management system.”

The Union also want the ministry to effect the employment of 10000 Medical Laboratory Professionals to bridge the shortage that has been there further urging the Public Service Commission (PSC) to pay its workers Health Risk Allowance to the Degree Members currently not receiving the allowance. 

In the same light, the workers have called for the revoking of appointments of non-medical Laboratory Officers at the Division of National Laboratory Services and the appointment of qualified, registered and licensed Medical Laboratory Officers. 

The Union similarly wants Kirinyaga and Nairobi County governments to immediately reinstate the dismissed Medical Laboratory Officers as determined by PSC and appoint the remaining 20 Medical Laboratory Officers who were formerly under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services respectively.

The strike comes amidst similar strikes by doctors, Clinical Officers and other medical officers in the country.