The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has stated that it may withdraw from the government-backed Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, citing concerns over its effectiveness and the burden it places on teachers.
Knut national officials and branch representatives have called on the government to address challenges affecting the scheme, warning that failure to do so could lead teachers to reconsider their participation.
Vice Chairperson Aggrey Namisi said the union is dissatisfied with the scheme following a three-month trial period, noting that it has not fully met teachers’ medical needs.
Namisi reported that the union will convene a meeting next week to deliberate on the matter and determine the way forward regarding teachers’ health cover.
“We cannot sit back and watch our teachers struggle to access healthcare,” he said.
He described the scheme as a strain on both teachers and the union.
Namisi spoke during a thanksgiving ceremony for teachers in Chetambe, Webuye East. Knut representatives from Trans Nzoia and West Pokot also expressed concerns about the scheme.
He said the transition from the previous medical cover to SHA was not entirely voluntary, alleging that some teachers felt they had limited options during a meeting last year.
“The move is something we now view with concern. What we were promised under SHA has not been fully realised, and we must act to ensure our teachers can access necessary healthcare,” Namisi said.
With union elections now concluded, Namisi said Knut’s immediate priority is to resolve the health insurance issue to safeguard members’ welfare.
He stated that teachers across the country are facing challenges accessing medical services under the current scheme and called for urgent intervention.
Namisi stated that the union will make a final decision after the upcoming meeting in Nairobi.
“We can no longer buy time. That is why we have called this meeting—to discuss the issue and give teachers clear direction,” he said.
