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The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has strongly opposed the government's proposal to merge various health regulatory bodies under the Quality of Care Bill 2025. 

The Ministry of Health introduced the bill to streamline health regulations by creating a single oversight authority. 

However, KUCO and other health unions argue that the move will negatively impact healthcare services in Kenya.

In a statement issued on February 28, 2025, KUCO outlined 30 reasons why they reject the proposed merger. 

They insist that the current system of peer regulation works best since each professional body understands the specific needs of its members.

The clinical officers highlighted several concerns, including increased bureaucracy, diluted professional standards, and political interference in the regulation of healthcare professionals. 

They also warned that a single regulatory body would lead to inefficiencies, conflicts of interest, and a lack of expertise in handling different medical fields.

KUCO further argued that small private clinics and individual practitioners might struggle to meet new compliance requirements, increasing the cost of healthcare for ordinary Kenyans. 

They also fear that merging regulatory bodies could delay decision-making, reduce accountability, and create unnecessary legal complexities.

The union cited previous cases where merging regulatory bodies led to setbacks rather than improvements. 

Professions such as Community Oral Health Officers, Dental Technicians, and Pharmaceutical Technologists have faced significant challenges since their regulation was merged with larger bodies. 

These professionals are now pushing for self-regulation after experiencing inefficiencies in the current system.

KUCO also pointed out that other countries, such as South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia, have attempted similar mergers, which resulted in poor service delivery and regulatory confusion. 

They believe Kenya should learn from these examples instead of repeating the same mistakes.

Instead of merging health regulatory bodies, KUCO recommends strengthening existing structures such as the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority (KHPOA). 

They suggest expanding KHPOA’s role in accreditation and quality control without taking away the independence of professional regulatory bodies.

The union has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to withdraw the proposed merger or face nationwide protests.