Learning in six North Rift counties will grind to a halt on Wednesday, February 5, if teachers in the counties down their tools.
The teachers are planning to protest over a healthcare access crisis that has left thousands unable to receive medical care at their preferred facilities.
They, as a result, gave their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) 24 hours to respond to their concerns or they kick off their go slow.
According to the teachers unions the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the tutors have not been able to access treatment after their insurance provider reduced the number of accessible healthcare facilities.
According to the teachers, they have been restricted from accessing health care in facilities that lack adequate equipment and fail to meet the standards of Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals, potentially compromising the quality of care they receive.
The teachers remain confused over why services were withdrawn from all major medical facilities. The teachers have given the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) insurance provider, Minet, 24 hours to remove the restrictions imposed.
"We have instructed our members that if the commission does not lift the suspension, no teacher will attend class starting Wednesday, February 5. We cannot allow teachers to be forced to rely on a single facility. This situation will worsen their well-being, as it results in overcrowding in one small area," KUPPET Elgeyo Marakwet official Paul Biwot asserted.
On Monday, hundreds of teachers, led by representatives from KNUT and KUPPET, marched to Minet's North Rift offices in Eldoret, demanding immediate resolution to the healthcare disruption that has particularly affected those with chronic conditions.
The teachers expressed their frustrations over the withdrawal of services, stating that teachers are enduring hardships.
"We have teachers suffering from diabetes and other chronic illnesses who can't access their regular doctors because of arbitrary directives from our insurer," stated Rose Cheboi, Uasin Gishu Women Representative.
Adding, "The government provided this insurance to cater to our needs, but the monopolistic approach being implemented by Makilu and Minet is something we categorically reject."
This comes amid an uproar as the government plans to enlist all students under the new healthcare system, the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The government last week announced that parents and guardians have 27 days to ensure their school-going children are registered with SHA. The registration ends on February 28.
During the registration process, parents accompanied their children to school for the registration. This is something that will force parents to travel to schools to achieve the government’s plan.
