Teachers in several parts of the country have taken to the streets as schools reopen for second term, raising concerns over health cover, jobs and working conditions.
The protests, led by officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have already been reported in counties like Machakos, Homa Bay, Vihiga, Kajiado and Samburu.
However, the union is now raising alarm on possible disruption of learning if the matter is not sorted urgently.
In Machakos, JSS teachers staged a walkout demanding that approximately 44,000 intern teachers should be converted into permanent staff.
The local KUPPET officials claimed that the process has been delayed for too long by the government and appealed to the Parliament to release the necessary funds to help TSC to confirm the interns.
In Homa Bay, teachers also echoed the similar sentiments noting that the recent judicial decision declared all internship postings illegal, however, many teachers still operate under such conditions.
Additionally, they complained about introduction of the Social Health Insurance (SHA). According to the complainants, access to the necessary services continues to be limited.
Some of them noted that in their opinion, only one hospital out of the entire sub-county is able to provide the services in accordance with the program.
In Kajiado, teachers claimed that they are satisfied with the former medical cover and do not see the benefits of introducing SHA.
In Vihiga County, teachers issued the notification of 14 days strike, explaining that the new program restricts access to necessary services and certain treatments.
In Samburu, however, the teachers are aggrieved by the cutback in hardship allowances arguing that the conditions there remain difficult for the teacher, particularly because of insecurity.
In the whole country, the teachers argue that things are becoming too hard and the need for immediate measures from the government and the TSC have become very urgent.
Since the schools have already been opened, fears are being expressed that failure to solve the problems immediately will affect the education system.
