The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called on the government to urgently resolve challenges affecting the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical insurance scheme, warning that teachers may push for a return to the previous AON Minet medical cover if the issues remain unresolved.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in Kwanza, Trans-Nzoia County, KUPPET West Pokot County Secretary Alfred Kamuto said teachers across the region are facing serious difficulties accessing healthcare services under the new SHA system.
Kamuto noted that the transition to SHA has disrupted access to treatment, leaving many teachers vulnerable despite continued monthly deductions toward the scheme.
“The current SHA system is not working effectively for teachers. Many are unable to access treatment when they need it most, and this is putting their lives at risk. The government must act immediately or return us to the Minet scheme, which was more reliable,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by KUPPET organising secretary Patrick Sulel, who highlighted growing frustration among teachers forced to pay out-of-pocket for medical services.
Sulel described the situation as unfair, noting that the purpose of a health insurance scheme is being undermined.
“It is unacceptable that teachers are contributing monthly to a health scheme that does not guarantee them services. Some are now digging into their own pockets to get treatment, which defeats the purpose of having medical insurance,” he said.
The leaders spoke during the burial of Mana Lenah Khatenge, mother to Totum Mixed Secondary School Principal Julius Natoka, in Kwanza.
KUPPET officials are now urging the government to streamline the SHA system and ensure seamless access to healthcare services for teachers across the country.
They warned that failure to address the concerns could spark nationwide discontent within the teaching fraternity.
