Teachers have warned they will go on strike when schools reopen for second term if the government fails to fix problems with their medical cover and ongoing staff shortages.
Officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers in Bungoma said the situation has become difficult for many teachers, especially under the new health scheme run by the Social Health Authority.
Speaking in Kabuchai on Friday, union representatives said only a few hospitals in the county are currently serving teachers, making it hard for many to access treatment. They warned that if nothing changes during the April holiday, teachers will not return to class next term.
The union said teachers are struggling to get services despite being moved to the new scheme in December 2025. The programme was introduced after talks involving KUPPET, the Kenya National Union of Teachers and the Teachers Service Commission, with the aim of improving healthcare for teachers and their families.
It was expected to cover outpatient and inpatient care, dental and optical services, checkups, and emergency support. But teachers now say access remains limited in many areas, with some unable to receive treatment in approved facilities.
At the same time, the union raised concern over a shortage of teachers, saying the burden on those in service has continued to grow due to slow recruitment.
They have now given the government until the end of the school holiday to address the issues, warning that failure to act will lead to a nationwide strike that could disrupt learning across the country.
The Ministry of Education, led by Julius Ogamba, is now under pressure to respond before schools reopen.