Teachers' strike averted as Gov't removes SHA limits, co-payments

With the stroke of a pen, the government on Thursday seemingly pulled back from the brink, averting a looming nationwide teachers’ strike sparked by a controversial shift from a comprehensive private medical scheme to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) cover.

The cover had been widely criticised by teachers’ unions as limited, capped, and restrictive to access to essential healthcare services.

However, on Thursday afternoon, the top leadership of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) struck a deal with SHA to scrap capping limits and co-payments; key sticking points that had fuelled sharp divisions, with teachers accusing their unions of endorsing a diminished cover.

Teachers had also protested the exclusion of specialised facilities from the provider panel, warning it undermined their right to access quality healthcare.

KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba said: “More importantly and this is fundamental, was the issue of tariff withdrawal…there it’s called capping…because this was making treatments to be limited to Ksh.2,500 or Ksh.1,200 and that has been removed…”

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale added: “We don’t want our teachers to leave school because of their healthcare. Their healthcare is linked to their productivity and education of our children. SHA will immediately remove tariff locking currently configured into the system. It shall only be implemented after negotiations are completed. All health facilities are strictly prohibited from charging any teacher out-of-pocket payments.”

The agreement between SHA and KUPPET will also see teachers receive a last expense benefit of Ksh.300,000 paid by SHA to their next of kin within 48 hours, as well as an inclusion of the ex-gratia management benefits that will allow teachers to continue receiving care even after they have exhausted their cover.

KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori downplayed threats of industrial action by a section of officials from various counties, insisting that the union’s top leadership remains firmly committed to safeguarding teachers’ welfare.

“To organise a strike is one of the most significant steps which is a last resort to resolve a crisis. We have engaged and are still engaging and therefore the threat of strike over the issue of SHA is not a function this meeting,” he said.