Teachers’ Strike Over Insurance

Teachers in six North Rift counties are threatening to go on strike over reduced healthcare coverage by their insurance provider, Minet. The unions, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), argue that the restrictions have significantly impacted teachers with chronic conditions who are now unable to access regular medical care.

“We have teachers suffering from diabetes and other chronic illnesses who can’t access their regular doctors because of arbitrary directives from our insurer,” said Cheboi, Uasin Gishu Women Representative.

The unions demand the immediate lifting of these restrictions, or else a go-slow will begin. This dispute sheds light on the ongoing issue of workers' healthcare benefits in Kenya, particularly in public sector employment.

The situation also reflects broader concerns across Africa, where workers continue to face challenges with health insurance access, often resulting in strikes and collective action by unions advocating for better working conditions and benefits.