Teachers Threaten Strike Over Medical Insurance Funding.
In a developing issue, teachers in Kenya are threatening to go on strike in January 2025 if the government fails to release the 10 billion shillings allocated for their medical insurance cover.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised concerns over the delayed release of these funds, which are essential to continue providing medical cover for educators across the country.
Samuel Muori, the KNUT Secretary-General for Kiambu County, expressed his frustration at the ongoing delay. He noted that the medical cover for teachers is traditionally renewed every November, but teachers are currently being denied access to medical services despite salary deductions for the insurance.
“This is money that was deducted from teacher’s payslips,” Muori said.
“The cover is negotiated between the employer and the teachers’ union, and it cannot be taken lightly by the government.”
The medical cover, which has been in place for years, provides teachers with significant health benefits, including coverage for medical evacuation, which can extend to countries like India if necessary.
According to Muori, “Some teachers are covered for as much as 1.5 million shillings, and we have evacuated teachers in the past for treatment abroad.”
Rising Tensions and Threat of Action
Muori further warned that unless the funds are disbursed immediately, teachers will take drastic action.
“If the money is not remitted by January, then the teachers will go to the streets,” he asserted.
“All the branches in the country are up in arms about this issue.”
The union has made it clear that if the funds are not released in time, schools across the nation will remain closed.
The ongoing issue is particularly sensitive as it concerns the health and well-being of teachers, who have depended on the cover for the past 15 years.
Since the government took over the medical allowance, teachers’ medical insurance has been handled through this fund.
“This is the insurance that has covered teachers for the last 15 years since the medical allowance was taken by the government,” Muori emphasized.
Impending Disruption in Schools
As January approaches, the tension surrounding the issue continues to mount. Teachers are firm in their stance that unless the medical cover is renewed and the funds released promptly, they will not return to work.
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“The executive secretaries have made it clear to the secretary that if this money is not remitted by January, then the schools will not open,” Muori warned.
The teachers are calling for immediate action to prevent widespread disruption in the education system.
Teachers Threaten Strike Over Medical Insurance Funding.
