Teachers threaten countrywide strike over SHA medical plan

By Newsflash Team

Kenyan teachers are once again threatening a nationwide strike over the government’s plan to abolish their current medical insurance scheme and transition them into the newly formed Social Health Authority (SHA) system without prior consultation.

Representing teachers under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), union leaders warned of industrial action if the government proceeds unilaterally with the transition. The current Minet Teachers Medical Scheme—administered by Medical Kenya Ltd (MKL) under contract with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)—is set to expire on November 30, 2025.

According to credible sources, the union maintains that the medical scheme is part of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was legally negotiated. KUPPET argues that dismantling the scheme without union consent would not only violate the CBA but also amount to unfair labour practices.

Unilateral changes spark outrage

Speaking in Nairobi, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori accused the government of excluding teachers from a matter directly affecting their health and professional dignity.

“The teachers’ medical scheme is not a handout or a privilege. It’s a right earned through a long and transparent negotiation process that culminated in the 2025–2029 CBA. Any unilateral move to abolish it is a betrayal and a blatant breach of the law,” Misori said.

He added, “If the government proceeds without involving teachers, this issue alone will drive us to the streets. Take it as a threat if you will—it reflects our unwavering stand. We have not been consulted.”

Misori criticised the plan to place teachers under a blanket universal health system without recognising their unique needs, especially when other arms of government such as Parliament and the Judiciary still retain exclusive medical schemes.

“We are the largest group in the public service and significant contributors to the national health pool. Yet we’re being treated like second-class citizens. Why should Parliament and the Judiciary retain specialised cover while teachers are denied the same?” he posed.

He further stated that the TSC has not issued any formal communication on a possible shift from MKL to SHA—raising concerns over transparency and fuelling widespread anxiety among educators.

Demands for transparency and dialogue

“Under the current scheme, we gave up our medical allowance, which previously allowed teachers to seek private insurance options. That allowance was pooled to support the scheme. Now even that is being put at risk,” Misori said.

Teachers had initially operated under IOMINET and MINET before the scheme was transferred to MKL. Misori questioned why the changes have happened repeatedly without adequate communication and demanded accountability over the fate of the medical allowances.

“Who approved these constant shifts? Where did our medical allowance go? Teachers must be part of the decision-making process regarding their healthcare,” he said.

The union disclosed that it only became aware of the SHA transition plan through media reports and not through any official briefing from the Ministry of Health or the TSC. Misori warned that failure to pause the process and engage teachers would leave the union with no option but to mobilise for a strike.

“This may seem like a single-issue fight, but it cuts to the heart of our welfare,” he warned.

In addition to opposing the SHA scheme, KUPPET is calling for a broader national conversation on policies affecting the education sector—especially teacher welfare, workloads, and financing.

“Only recently, we asked for dialogue on capitation and new education frameworks. Now they’re coming for our health coverage. Enough is enough,” Misori said.