By Peter John
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a strong warning to the government, threatening to withdraw from the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover over persistent challenges teachers face in accessing healthcare services.
Union officials, speaking during a celebratory event marking Aggrey Namisi’s re-election as KNUT’s national deputy chairperson, expressed growing frustration with the scheme.
They said many teachers across the country are struggling to receive treatment under SHA, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the new health arrangement.
KNUT leaders indicated that unless urgent reforms are made, the union could not only exit the SHA programme but also mobilize teachers for a nationwide strike.
“We cannot continue to have our members suffer while a system meant to support them fails,” one official said, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The sentiments were echoed by KNUT Kakamega County treasurer Jacklyne Mulindi, who criticized the scheme’s implementation, saying it has left many teachers unable to access essential medical care.
Political leaders from Bungoma County, including John Wanyama and Isaac Wanjekeche, also backed the union’s position, arguing that the SHA system is facing widespread challenges affecting not just teachers but the general public.
The leaders called on the government to urgently address the gaps in the scheme to restore confidence among users.
Amid the concerns, attention also turned to internal union matters, with leaders urging teachers from western Kenya to remain united in order to strengthen their influence within KNUT’s leadership structures.
Maurice Chalenga, the KNUT secretary in Vihiga County, emphasized the importance of unity, noting that stronger regional representation would help ensure teachers’ concerns are effectively addressed at the national level.
The developments come at a time when the government is rolling out reforms in the health sector, with SHA expected to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
However, the growing discontent among teachers signals potential hurdles in the implementation of the new system.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the government’s next move, with the possibility of industrial action looming if the issues remain unresolved.
