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Kenyan teachers are on the verge of a nationwide strike as the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) demands urgent government intervention in their failing healthcare system. The union has set a March 3, 2025 deadline for action, warning that if their demands are not met, learning will be disrupted across the country.
Why Are Teachers Going on Strike?
At the center of the dispute is the medical insurance scheme for teachers, which has failed to provide reliable healthcare services. Many teachers have reported being denied treatment at hospitals due to insurance coverage issues, despite regular deductions from their salaries.
KUPPET Kisii Branch Chairperson Laban Ooko has issued a strong ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate release of Ksh30 billion to fund proper health insurance for teachers and police officers.
“The government should be disbursing about Ksh30 billion to cater for the health insurance of all teachers and police officers. If the funds are not released within the next week, we will down our tools and tell parents not to take their children to school,” Ooko declared.
Teachers’ Healthcare at a Crossroads: A System in Crisis
Kenyan teachers have endured persistent healthcare challenges, but the situation has now reached a critical point.
A Broken Insurance System
Teachers are covered by a medical insurance scheme provided through TSC, but complaints have emerged over:
- Delayed approvals for treatment, leaving teachers stranded in hospitals.
- Hospitals rejecting teachers due to unpaid claims from the insurer.
- Unequal access, with teachers in remote areas facing worse conditions than their counterparts in urban centers.
Although money is deducted from teachers’ payslips monthly for insurance, many find themselves paying out-of-pocket for essential medical services.
RUPHA Suspends Services to Teachers and Police Officers
The crisis deepened when the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) suspended medical services for teachers and police officers, citing unpaid claims worth Ksh30 billion from the government.
In their announcement, RUPHA stated:
“We regret to inform all teachers and police officers that, effective immediately, we will no longer be offering medical services under their insurance scheme due to non-payment of pending claims. Until these funds are released, private and faith-based hospitals under RUPHA will not be able to cater for them.”
This suspension has led to:
- Teachers being turned away from private and faith-based hospitals.
- Overcrowding in public hospitals, making it harder for teachers to get treatment.
- Increased financial strain, as teachers are forced to pay for medical expenses themselves.
Legal Rights of Teachers Regarding Healthcare
Teachers in Kenya have legal protections when it comes to healthcare, and they should be aware of their rights and options in case they face medical challenges due to failing insurance coverage.
1. Right to Healthcare Under Employment Laws
Under the Employment Act of Kenya, teachers (as government employees) are entitled to:
- Access to medical treatment through an employer-provided scheme.
- Clear and timely remittance of insurance funds deducted from their salaries.
- Compensation for medical-related expenses incurred due to employer negligence.
If the government fails to ensure proper healthcare access, teachers may have grounds to sue for violation of employment rights.
2. Right to SHA Coverage
All Kenyan teachers are automatically enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA). This means that even if their employer-provided insurance fails:
- They must still receive SHA-covered services at public hospitals.
- SHA should cover outpatient and inpatient services, including maternity, surgery, and chronic illness treatments.
If SHA services are denied, teachers can file a complaint with the SHA Complaints and Dispute Resolution Committee.
3. Right to Compensation for Work-Related Illnesses
If a teacher falls sick due to work-related conditions (such as stress-related illnesses or injuries while on duty), they may:
- Claim compensation under the Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA).
- Seek legal redress if TSC fails to facilitate treatment.
4. Legal Recourse for Denied Services
If teachers face continued denial of medical services despite deductions, they can:
- File a formal complaint with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
- Seek legal action through KUPPET or other professional unions.
- Request intervention from the Ombudsman’s office (Commission on Administrative Justice).
5. The Role of KUPPET in Legal Action
KUPPET has the legal mandate to take action against TSC or the government if:
- Teachers are unlawfully denied their entitled healthcare benefits.
- The government fails to release insurance funds despite deductions.
Teachers should actively engage KUPPET to ensure that any legal action taken is backed by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and constitutional protections.
What Can Teachers Do While Waiting for a Solution?
With healthcare services limited or unavailable, teachers need to find temporary solutions while the government resolves the crisis. Here are some practical steps:
1. Use Public Hospitals Where Possible
While many private hospitals have stopped offering services to teachers, government hospitals still accept SHA and some insurance covers.
2. Consider Alternative Health Insurance
For those who can afford it, exploring personal health insurance options can provide better security in times of crisis.
3. Budget for Emergency Medical Expenses
Since many teachers are now paying out-of-pocket for medical care, it’s wise to set aside emergency funds for unexpected hospital visits.
4. Leverage Free or Low-Cost Medical Services
Teachers can take advantage of:
- Free government medical camps that offer check-ups and treatment.
- Faith-based health institutions that provide low-cost healthcare.
- University hospitals that sometimes offer discounted medical services.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Illness
With limited healthcare access, prevention is the best cure. Teachers should focus on:
- Eating a balanced diet to boost immunity.
- Exercising regularly to prevent lifestyle diseases.
- Managing stress, as high stress levels can lead to health problems.
6. Stay Informed and Engage in Advocacy
- Follow updates from KUPPET and TSC on the ongoing dispute.
- Join discussions in teachers’ forums to stay updated on solutions.
- Participate in advocacy efforts to push for a long-term healthcare solution.
Will the Government Act?
With pressure mounting, the coming days will determine whether the government takes urgent action or allows the strike to proceed, disrupting the education system.
Teachers shouldn’t have to fight for healthcare they’ve already paid for. The government must act swiftly to settle debts, ensure prompt payments, and renegotiate contracts to prevent similar crises in the future.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you think the teachers’ strike will push the government to fix healthcare once and for all? Share your opinions in the comments below!
This version now reflects the Social Health Authority (SHA) instead of NHIF. Let me know if you need any other refinements!
