What You Need to Know
Teachers in Kenya are threatening a nationwide strike if the government does not address issues with their medical cover and staff shortages. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has highlighted limited access to healthcare under the new medical scheme, urging the government to take action before the next term begins.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Teachers have threatened to go on a nationwide strike beginning at the end of April this year if the government fails to address challenges with their medical cover and ongoing teacher shortages.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) officials in Bungoma County say the situation has become unbearable, particularly under the new medical scheme managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
While addressing a gathering in Kabuchai Constituency on Friday, April 3, the union leaders said access to healthcare remains limited, with only a few hospitals currently serving teachers in the whole county.
KUPPET representative in Bungoma, Ferdinand Wamalwa, warned that teachers will not hesitate to take industrial action if the issues are not resolved during the school holiday.
“Here in Bungoma, we only have three hospitals in the entire county that are treating our teachers. We have said next term, if this thing of SHA is not worked on, we are going to call for a very serious strike,” said Wamalwa.
“We will direct students to stay home as we embark on a total shutdown. We are giving the government this holiday to address the issue,” he added.
The union is also called out by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for failing to recruit enough teachers, noting that the shortage has increased the workload and pressure on existing staff.
Teachers were moved to the SHA medical scheme on December 1, 2025, following a consultative meeting in November of the same year involving TSC, KUPPET, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and SHA officials.
The new scheme was expected to improve healthcare services for teachers nationwide by offering comprehensive coverage, including outpatient and inpatient care.
It was also expected to provide dental and optical services, annual checkups, ambulance services, overseas treatment, group life benefits and cover teachers’ spouses and up to six dependants.
However, teachers now say the implementation has been ineffective, citing limited hospital access and difficulties in receiving treatment in various health facilities.
With the deadline set for action by the start of next term, pressure is mounting on the government to address the crisis and prevent a disruption to learning across the country.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has been advocating for better working conditions and healthcare for teachers for years. The introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme aimed to enhance healthcare services for educators, but its implementation has faced significant challenges. Teachers have expressed dissatisfaction with the limited hospital access and inadequate coverage, leading to increased pressure on the government to resolve these issues promptly.
