Teachers across Kenya have staged protests as schools reopen for the second term, raising concerns over health cover, job security and working conditions. The unrest now threatens to disrupt learning if authorities fail to act quickly.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has warned that tensions remain high across several counties. The union says long-standing issues have not been resolved despite repeated engagements with the government.
In Machakos, Junior Secondary School teachers have downed tools, demanding permanent and pensionable terms for intern teachers. Union officials insist that Parliament must allocate funds to the Teachers Service Commission to confirm thousands of interns.
Teachers in Homa Bay have echoed the same demand, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling. They argue that continued use of internship terms contradicts legal guidance and delays career progression for many educators.
Beyond employment concerns, frustrations over the Social Health Authority continue to grow. Teachers report limited access to approved hospitals, forcing many to travel long distances for treatment.
In Kajiado, educators have threatened to strike, saying the current scheme falls short compared to previous coverage under Minet. Others say restrictions on services and medication have left them exposed during medical emergencies.
Teachers in Vihiga have issued a 14-day strike notice, demanding the removal of caps on medical cover. They also want broader inclusion of essential services, including specialized treatment options currently excluded.
In Samburu, tensions continue over the removal of hardship allowances. Teachers argue that the region still faces serious security and living challenges despite its reclassification from hardship status.
Across affected regions, educators say the situation has reached a breaking point. They warn that failure to address these issues will lead to prolonged disruptions in the school calendar.
The government and the Teachers Service Commission now face mounting pressure to act. With learners back in school, delays in resolving the crisis could significantly affect the academic term.
