Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to paralyse learning nationwide if the ongoing stalemate surrounding the Social Health Authority (SHA) is not urgently resolved.
Addressing the press in Webuye West during a school uniform donation drive sponsored by the Joseph Waswa Foundation, Bungoma East Branch Executive Secretary Robert Mandila decried what he termed as “systemic inefficiencies” in the implementation of SHA, saying teachers are bearing the brunt of the transition.
Mandila said teachers are facing formidable hurdles when seeking medical services under the new health scheme, with reports of delays, service denials and out-of-pocket payments despite regular statutory deductions.
“Teachers are experiencing immense difficulties accessing treatment under SHA. Some are being turned away from hospitals or compelled to pay cash for services that should ordinarily be covered,” Mandila stated.
ALSO READ:
Cardinal Otunga Girls’ to Host 2026 English Contest and Symposium
He warned that the union would not hesitate to invoke industrial action should the government fail to address the concerns expeditiously. According to the union official, the welfare of teachers remains paramount and non-negotiable.
“As KNUT, we are prepared to mobilize our members countrywide if this crisis persists. Learning in public schools will be severely disrupted if the issues surrounding SHA are not sorted out immediately,” he cautioned.
Mandila underscored the critical role teachers play in the country’s socio-economic development, arguing that reliable healthcare access is integral to sustaining quality education.
He called for urgent multi-agency engagement involving the Ministries of Health and Education, as well as teachers’ unions, to streamline operations and restore confidence in the system.
While acknowledging the government’s broader healthcare reform agenda, he maintained that policy transitions must not disadvantage contributors.
ALSO READ:
TSC launches nationwide staff balancing exercise, plans April transfer of surplus teachers
“We support reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, but implementation must be seamless and protect the rights of contributors. Teachers deserve dignity and efficiency when seeking medical services,” he added.
The looming healthcare dispute threatens to overshadow gains in the education sector, with KNUT signaling a possible showdown unless swift measures are undertaken to address teachers’ grievances.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
