KNUT Intervenes to Prevent Teachers’ Strike in North Rift
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has stepped in to address a potential crisis in the education sector within the North Rift region, following threats of industrial action from teachers.
KNUT Responds to Teachers’ Concerns
On Thursday, February 6, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu reassured teachers in the region that their grievances—especially those related to medical coverage—would be urgently resolved.
His statement came after frustrated educators issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), demanding an immediate solution. The teachers had threatened to go on strike if their concerns were not addressed.
KNUT, alongside the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), raised alarm over the challenges teachers were facing in accessing medical care. These difficulties arose after their insurance provider, Minet, drastically reduced the number of accredited hospitals available for treatment.
Educators were further dismayed to find that the remaining healthcare facilities were inadequately equipped, lacking essential medical resources and failing to meet the required Level 4 and Level 5 hospital standards. This situation placed teachers at risk, particularly those with chronic illnesses who required specialized medical attention.
Medical Cover Reinstated
Recognizing the severity of the issue, Oyuu confirmed that the teachers’ medical cover had been restored. He revealed that earlier in the day, several hospitals had been removed from the coverage list, cutting off many teachers from essential healthcare services.
However, after urgent negotiations, key medical facilities—including Lifecare, Top Hill, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital—were reinstated, ensuring teachers could once again access quality medical care.
Oyuu emphasized that KNUT would continue advocating for teachers’ welfare and that no issue affecting them would be disregarded. He highlighted that the lengthy negotiations throughout the day were a testament to their unwavering commitment to securing better healthcare services for educators.
Teachers’ Protest and Broader Education Sector Challenges
Oyuu’s intervention followed mass protests staged by hundreds of teachers, led by KNUT and KUPPET representatives. The educators marched to Minet’s North Rift offices in Eldoret, demanding an immediate resolution to the healthcare crisis. Their primary concern was the impact on teachers suffering from chronic illnesses, who faced significant challenges in accessing proper treatment.
Beyond medical insurance concerns, the education sector in Kenya has been experiencing continuous unrest, with teachers and learners alike threatening industrial action over unresolved grievances.
While the crisis in the North Rift appears to have been contained, a new dispute is brewing elsewhere. Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Nyamira County have also announced plans to go on strike, citing salary underpayment as their main concern.
Additionally, teachers across the country have raised concerns over delayed salaries, claiming that their wages often fall below the recommended figures set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). This ongoing financial strain has further worsened dissatisfaction among educators, fueling the likelihood of future strikes.
KNUT has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with stakeholders to prevent further disruptions in the education sector. The union continues to push for fair salaries, better working conditions, and improved medical coverage to ensure that teachers can perform their duties effectively without unnecessary hardships.
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