Teachers have threatened to stage a nationwide strike at the end of April if the government fails to address concerns over their medical cover and persistent staffing shortages.
Officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers in Bungoma County said the situation has worsened under the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing limited access to healthcare services.
Speaking during a meeting in Kabuchai Constituency on Friday, KUPPET leaders warned that teachers are prepared to take industrial action if the issues are not resolved during the school holiday.
“Here in Bungoma, we only have three hospitals in the entire county that are treating our teachers. We have said next term, if this thing of SHA is not worked on, we are going to call for a very serious strike,” said KUPPET Bungoma representative Ferdinand Wamalwa.
He added, “We will direct students to stay home as we embark on a total shutdown. We are giving the government this holiday to address the issue.”
The union also faulted the Teachers Service Commission for failing to recruit enough teachers, noting that the shortage has increased workload and pressure on existing staff.
Teachers were transitioned to the SHA medical scheme in December 2025 following consultations involving KUPPET, the Kenya National Union of Teachers, TSC, and SHA officials.
The scheme was expected to provide comprehensive healthcare, including outpatient and inpatient services, dental and optical care, and coverage for dependants.
However, teachers now say the rollout has been ineffective, citing difficulties in accessing treatment and limited hospital coverage.
With the deadline fast approaching, pressure is mounting on the government to resolve the concerns and avert a potential disruption to learning across the country.
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