Teachers have issued a nationwide strike notice set to begin at the end of April if the government fails to resolve concerns over their medical cover and persistent staff shortages.
Officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Bungoma County say the situation has worsened under the new medical scheme run by the Social Health Authority (SHA), terming it unsustainable.
Speaking in Kabuchai Constituency on Friday, April 3, union leaders raised alarm over limited access to healthcare, noting that only a handful of hospitals are currently serving teachers across the county.
Teachers Warn of Nationwide Strike Over Health Cover, Staffing Gaps. Photo: Courtesy.
KUPPET Bungoma representative Ferdinand Wamalwa cautioned that teachers are prepared to take industrial action if the issues remain unresolved during the school holiday.
The union has also criticised the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for failing to recruit enough teachers, saying the staffing gap has significantly increased workload and pressure on those currently in service.
Teachers were transitioned to the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme on December 1, 2025, following a consultative meeting held a month earlier involving TSC, KUPPET, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and SHA officials.
The scheme was introduced with the aim of enhancing healthcare access for teachers across the country through comprehensive medical coverage.
It was designed to include outpatient and inpatient services, as well as dental and optical care, annual medical check-ups, ambulance services, overseas treatment, group life insurance, and coverage for spouses and up to six dependants.
However, teachers now say the scheme has fallen short in implementation, citing limited access to hospitals and challenges in receiving treatment.
With the deadline approaching ahead of the next school term, pressure is mounting on the government to act and avert a nationwide learning disruption.
