Kenyan schools may face disruption after teachers warned of a possible nationwide strike linked to problems with their medical cover.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has given the government seven days to address alleged failures in the Social Health Authority (SHA) health insurance system. Union officials say if the issues remain unresolved, teachers could resort to industrial action.
According to the union, the new medical scheme has been plagued by system breakdowns and delays in paying hospitals. These problems have left many teachers struggling to access treatment, with some forced to stay in hospitals waiting for approval while others pay medical bills from their own pockets.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori said the current system has left teachers frustrated and uncertain about their access to healthcare. He explained that under the previous medical cover, educators could seek treatment easily without complicated verification procedures.
Before the introduction of SHA, teachers were covered under the Minet Teachers Medical Scheme.
KUPPET National Chair Omboko Milemba warned that the crisis could put teachers’ lives at risk if it continues.
“SHA is not working for teachers. We will not allow this to continue. If the scheme cannot sustain teachers’ medical cover, we will withdraw from it,” Milemba warned.
