Teachers in Kakamega County today staged a demonstration demanding urgent action on several issues they say the government has failed to address.
In solidarity, the teachers marched on the streets of Kakamega, calling for the immediate abolition of the Social Health Fund (SHA).
They claim that the body should be done away with, terming it a “scam.” Unlike the previous insurance cover (Minet), they are disappointed because SHA offers less coverage, and the funds deducted from their salary for the cover are not equivalent to the services they receive, forcing them to pay out of pocket.
The teachers are also demanding full autonomy of Junior Secondary Schools, separating them from primary schools.
The educators strongly believe that the Junior Secondary Schools should have an independent administration and management, with many claiming that being managed under different unions brings about confusion.
According to the ruling of the Court of Appeal on March 14, 2026, it was declared that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) internship programme is unconstitutional, illegal, and discriminatory.
Their concern is that the government ensures that the 44,000 interns who were already in service before the ruling are employed and placed on a permanent and pensionable salary.
Another grievance presented by the teachers today is that the Kenya National Examinations Council examiners and professionals contracted for the 2025 national exams should be paid.
There has been a delay in their payment, which was said to have been caused by severe funding shortages and budgetary constraints from the National Treasury.
READ ALSO: KUPPET Kisumu demands TSC immediately absorb 43,000 intern teachers
The demonstration concluded at the KUPPET offices in Kakamega after union leaders addressed the teachers and received their grievances.
However, the leadership refrained from giving an immediate response, stating that they would review the concerns raised and provide feedback at a later time.
By Rose Gitira
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