The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has threatened for an industrial action over government’s plans to terminate the current Minet-managed teachers’ medical scheme and transition teachers into the Social Health Authority (SHA) system without consultation.
KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori condemned the move as a violation of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which guarantees the medical scheme under contract with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) until November 30, 2025.
He criticized the government’s push to enroll teachers into a universal health plan that overlooks their unique needs, pointing out that other public service groups including Parliament, the Judiciary, and universities continue to enjoy specialized medical cover without any disruptions.
“We are the largest cadre in the public service and among the highest contributors to the national health pool. Yet we are being treated like second-class citizens,” Misori said. “Why should teachers be excluded from tailored healthcare when others are not?”
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KUPPET revealed that no formal communication had been issued by the TSC or Ministry of Health regarding the proposed shift, leaving teachers anxious and frustrated. Misori also raised concerns about the fate of medical allowances previously surrendered to fund the pooled scheme.
“Under the current arrangement, teachers gave up their medical allowance to support a comprehensive cover. Now even that is at risk,” he said, demanding transparency on past restructuring and the whereabouts of those funds.
Misori also questioned the repeated changes and lack of accountability. “Someone must explain who authorized these transfers and why teachers were excluded from the decision-making process.”
KUPPET said it only learned of the government’s plan through media reports, not official channels. He urged the government to halt the transition and initiate urgent dialogue with teachers.
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“This may appear to be a single issue, but it is a critical one,” he emphasized, calling for a broader national conversation on education policy, teacher welfare, workloads, and funding.
“Only the other day, we were asking for dialogue on capitation and new education frameworks. Now they’re coming for our health. This cannot stand,” Misori declared
Misori warned that failure to engage teachers in meaningful dialogue would trigger a nationwide strike. “Consider this a threat if you must, but it reflects our firm position. Teachers were not consulted on this matter.”
By Masaki Enock
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