KUPPET, KNUT Threaten Strike In 6 Counties From Wednesday
Learning in six North Rift counties would come to a standstill on Wednesday, February 5, if teachers in those counties lay down their tools.
The teachers want to protest a healthcare access crisis that has left thousands unable to receive treatment at their chosen clinics.
As a result, they offered their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), 24 hours to react to their concerns or begin a go-slow.
The tutors have been unable to receive treatment since their insurance provider reduced the number of accessible healthcare institutions.
According to the teaching unions, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
Teachers in 6 North Rift Counties Threaten Strike Over Insurance Crisis
— Kawangware Finest ™ (Geoffrey Moturi) (@cbs_ke) February 4, 2025
Teachers in six North Rift counties have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to TSC and insurer Minet, demanding the lifting of healthcare access restrictions. pic.twitter.com/GxMx4bXKRZ
According to the instructors, they have been barred from seeking medical care in facilities that lack the necessary equipment.
While some may not satisfy the standards of Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals, this may jeopardize the quality of care provided.
The teachers are still perplexed as to why services were withheld from all major medical institutions.
The instructors have given the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) insurance provider, Minet, 24 hours to lift the limitations.
“We have instructed our members that if the commission does not lift the suspension, no teacher will attend class starting Wednesday, February 5,” KUPPET Elgeyo Marakwet official Paul Biwot asserted.
“We cannot allow teachers to be forced to rely on a single facility. This situation will worsen their well-being, as it results in overcrowding in one small area.”
On Monday, hundreds of teachers, organized by KNUT and KUPPET officials, marched to Minet’s North Rift offices in Eldoret.
They requested a quick resolution to the healthcare interruption, which has disproportionately impacted individuals with chronic diseases.
Teachers expressed their dissatisfaction with the service withdrawal, claiming that they are going through a difficult time.
“We have teachers suffering from diabetes and other chronic illnesses who can’t access their regular doctors because of arbitrary directives from our insurer,” stated Rose Cheboi, Uasin Gishu Women Representative.
Adding, “The government provided this insurance to cater to our needs, but the monopolistic approach being implemented by Makilu and Minet is something we categorically reject.”
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This comes amid widespread outrage as the government prepares to enroll all students in the new healthcare system, the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The government said last week that parents and guardians have 27 days to register their school-aged children with SHA. The registration period ends on February 28.
Parents accompanied their children to school to register.
This will oblige parents to travel to schools in order to carry out the government’s strategy.
KUPPET, KNUT Threaten Strike In 6 Counties From Wednesday
