KNUT Bungoma East pushes for more hospitals to enhance teachers’ medical care

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bungoma East branch has called on the government to increase the number of hospitals offering medical services to teachers, citing long queues and limited access as major challenges.

Speaking on Monday, March 2, during the opening of a new tuition block at Webuye S.A. Comprehensive School, the branch vice chairperson Jacob Temba said teachers from Bungoma and Busia counties are struggling to access timely medical care. Temba was representing branch executive secretary Robert Mandila at the event.

“Currently, there is only one hospital providing medical services to teachers in this region,” Temba said. “This leads to long waiting times, making it difficult for our members to get the treatment they need. We urge the government to allocate more hospitals to ease the burden.”

He further noted that teachers are often on tight schedules, and delays in medical services can disrupt their work. The call highlights concerns over the welfare of educators, who form the backbone of the country’s education system.

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The new tuition block at Webuye S.A. Comprehensive School marks a significant milestone in improving learning facilities. While the development was praised, Temba emphasized that supporting teachers’ health is equally critical. “Investment in infrastructure is important, but we must also ensure teachers have access to quality healthcare,” he said.

According to KNUT, expanding medical facilities for teachers would reduce pressure on the existing hospital, shorten waiting times, and allow educators to focus on their work without compromising their health.

The union also warned that failure to address the issue could continue to affect both teachers’ well-being and students’ learning.

“Many educators currently spend hours in hospital queues, a situation that could be alleviated by additional hospitals or dedicated medical units for teachers.”

Parents and teachers at the event welcomed the call, noting that teacher welfare is directly linked to student performance and overall school success. KNUT’s push reflects a broader demand for policies that prioritize the health and welfare of teachers while strengthening the country’s education system.

With Bungoma and Busia counties relying on a single hospital for teachers, KNUT says urgent government intervention is needed to safeguard educators’ health and ensure smooth delivery of education across the region.

By Godfrey Wamalwa