The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a stark warning of a nationwide strike set to begin Monday next week if the government fails to address their grievances.
The industrial action, if carried out, threatens to disrupt the academic calendar across the country.
At the core of KUPPET’s demands is the immediate hiring of over 44,000 teachers for the Junior School (JS) program on permanent and pensionable terms.
The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the current internship arrangement and is calling for its termination.
Other key issues raised by KUPPET include delays in the implementation of crucial education sector reforms and the ongoing challenges faced by teachers under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Yvonne Musyoka, the KUPPET Machakos Branch Secretary, urged teachers not to report to school if the Union’s demands are not addressed, adding that parents should keep their children at home until the situation is resolved.
A major sticking point in the dispute is the perceived inadequacy of the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) coverage. KUPPET argues that the current outpatient limit of Ksh 1,200 is insufficient for teachers and that intern teachers are not covered under the scheme.
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The union has called for the reinstatement of the Minet Medical Scheme if SHA cannot deliver on its promises.
The teachers were transitioned to SHA late in 2025, under the promise of broader coverage, quicker approvals, and a more equitable healthcare system.
However, KUPPET members claim they are now being turned away from hospitals, with some being told their services fall under different funds or that their coverage limits have been exhausted.
By Obegi Malack
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