KUPPET threatens strike over dysfunctional health system, insurance failures

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Embu branch has issued a strike notice to the National Government, citing a dysfunctional health system.

While addressing the press from their headquarters, the officials revealed the dire state of hospitals and demanded government intervention within seven days.

The teachers raised concerns about their inability to receive treatment, delays in hospital admissions, and discrimination in some hospitals. Other challenges include difficulties processing referrals across hospitals and raising money for orthopaedic implants for accident victims.

Eric Kimwere, in charge of health at the KUPPET Embu branch, also highlighted issues teachers face with their health insurance covers in hospitals.

“Teachers have resorted to asking for Harambees, which should not be acceptable because they have a comprehensive health insurance cover," said Kimwere.

"We in KUPPET have no option. We have now said enough is enough and will call our members to take to the streets to make it clear that we are not ready to continue with this monkey business," he reiterated.

Union officials expressed frustration that teachers are deducted monthly for poor hospital services, which do not reflect their contributions. Executive Secretary Jacob Karura called on the TSC to clear outstanding hospital bills to facilitate smooth operation.

"For nine months, hospitals have not received disbursements from the government. We are pleading with TSC to pay that money," said Karura.

“The government should immediately procure drugs so teachers can be treated,” he reiterated.

Karura also raised concerns about the rate at which teachers were resorting to fund drives despite having active insurance covers. He stated that the government was not remitting their deductions to insurance bodies. The union affirmed that their efforts to reach the relevant authorities through letters have been futile.

“We are being told that the employer has not paid hospitals. That is not our concern. All we want is treatment because we have been deducted for that,” they stated.

The Union declared that if their grievances were not addressed within the next seven days, they would march to insurance head offices to demand their rights. Among the affected hospitals are Teneri Hospital and Imara Hospital.

In response to speculation that the rejected Finance Bill 2024 will affect teacher employment, KUPPET urged the government to employ teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, without using this as an excuse for their laxity in prioritizing teachers.