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SHA services has been restored at Tenwek Hospital after outcry; teachers can now access healthcare.
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KNUT leaders criticized denial of services despite teachers paying medical cover contributions.
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The services resumed following intense engagement between union leaders and officials.
Teachers can now breathe a sigh of relief after Social Health Authority (SHA) services were restored at AGC Tenwek Hospital.
This comes after days of public outcry and intense engagement between union leaders and government officials.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey Bett announced the breakthrough after consultations with the Bomet County SHA Director.
“This is a big win for the community and for teachers who dedicate their lives to serving the nation. Restoring these services means they can once again access the healthcare they deserve,” Bett said.
The suspension had left many teachers stranded, with some forced to pay medical bills from their own pockets while others travelled long distances to seek treatment elsewhere.
The crisis triggered sharp criticism from KNUT leaders, who accused authorities of punishing teachers for administrative failures beyond their control.
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KNUT Bomet Executive Secretary Desmond Langat described the suspension as “inhuman and catastrophic,” saying AGC Tenwek Hospital has for years been a trusted referral facility for teachers in Bomet and neighbouring counties.
“As a union, we cannot sit back and allow anyone to gamble with the lives of our teachers,” Langat said.
He maintained that teachers faithfully contribute to their medical cover every month and should not be denied treatment because of delayed remittances by the Teachers Service Commission, AON or the National Treasury.
“I want to categorically state that teachers are not owed a penny by their employer and insurers. The responsibility of settling medical claims lies with the relevant institutions, not with teachers,” he added.
The dispute had raised fears of a nationwide boycott of the SHA medical scheme by teachers’ unions before the intervention led to the restoration of services.
The reopening of SHA services at AGC Tenwek Hospital is expected to ease anxiety among educators who depend on the facility for essential medical care.
By Kimutai Langat
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