The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) is a registered trade union that welcomes all Clinical Officers licensed to practice medicine in Kenya as members.
Initially, KUCO faced challenges when it applied for registration under the name Union of Kenya Clinical Officers in 2009. The government and rival trade unions opposed this application, resulting in a prolonged legal battle that ended unfavorably with a court judgment against registration. Undeterred by this setback, the union persevered and reapplied for registration under the name KUCO.
This second attempt also encountered legal hurdles, sparking protests around the courts. Unfortunately, these demonstrations were met with a violent police crackdown, resulting in numerous clinical officers sustaining injuries. Despite these challenges, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the clinical officers, and KUCO was successfully registered in 2017.
This history underscores the persistence and resilience of KUCO in securing recognition and representation for Clinical Officers in Kenya’s healthcare sector, despite facing significant opposition and adversity.
