Teachers threaten strike as SHA cover complaints resurface despite deal

Intern teachers drawn from the junior secondary school (JSS) programme staged demonstrations in various parts of the country, demanding confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms for the 44,000 educators.

Some of the teachers cited a court decision delivered in February, arguing that the internship arrangement is illegal and should be replaced with proper employment terms.

Others criticised government spending priorities, saying the State should prioritise education and issue appointment letters without further delays.

Teachers also issued fresh demands over the SHA cover, saying promised changes have yet to be reflected in the system, days after the Ministry of Health and teachers’ unions announced an agreement on the withdrawal of tariffs.

Officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) said teachers were still encountering co-payments, limited access to accredited facilities and what they described as “capping” concerns, calling for clear communication from SHA and hospitals.

In Kisii, union officials said only a few facilities were available to cater for teachers, while in Kajiado, educators said some areas lacked accredited health facilities, complicating access for members and their dependants.

KUPPET officials also raised concerns over variations in benefit allocations, including maternity-related cover, saying younger teachers were getting lower limits compared to senior staff.

In Trans Nzoia, the union warned it would mobilise demonstrations within seven days if issues affecting access and comprehensiveness of the cover are not addressed.

Separately, another group of teachers who participated in marking last year’s national examinations said they were yet to be paid, calling on the government and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to settle the arrears.

Union officials claimed the delay had persisted for months despite allocations made in supplementary budgets, and demanded immediate payment for invigilators, supervisors, centre managers and contracted professionals involved in the examinations.