Teachers Warn of Term 2 Disruption as Protests Erupt Nationwide Over SHA, Job Security
Teachers across Kenya have staged protests in multiple counties, raising fears of widespread disruption to the second school term that began on Monday, April 27, amid mounting grievances over healthcare access, employment terms, and working conditions.
The unrest, led largely by the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), signals a potential escalation in tensions between educators and the government, with union officials warning that failure to address their concerns could paralyse learning across the country.
Intern Teachers’ Fate Sparks Outrage
A key flashpoint is the demand for the confirmation of 44,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers into permanent and pensionable terms. In Machakos County, teachers downed their tools, accusing the government of delaying action despite repeated assurances.
“We are asking the government to allocate funds to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to confirm the 44,000 intern teachers,” said Yvonne Musyoka, KUPPET Secretary in Machakos.
“The government has been talking about confirmation for a long time, but this can only become reality after funds are allocated by Parliament.”
In Homa Bay, union officials pointed to a recent court ruling to justify their demands, arguing that the continued use of internship arrangements is unlawful.
“In March 2026, the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the Labour Relations Court, confirming that employment on internship basis is illegal,” said Thomas Odhiambo, KUPPET Secretary-General in Homa Bay.
“We do not understand why our colleagues have not been confirmed.”
Teachers in the county are also pushing for greater autonomy in JSS structures, including leadership appointments and operational independence.
Health Insurance Crisis Deepens
Frustration over the Social Health Insurance (SHA) scheme has further fuelled protests, with teachers in several regions decrying limited access to medical services.
In Homa Bay, educators complained that only one hospital per subcounty is accredited under the scheme, severely restricting access to care.
Meanwhile, teachers in Kajiado have threatened industrial action, expressing preference for the previous Minet insurance cover, which they claim offered better services.
In Vihiga, teachers have already declared a 14-day strike, citing dissatisfaction with SHA’s capping model, which limits coverage. They also raised concerns over the exclusion of critical services such as fertility treatment and lack of access to essential medication.
This comes despite a recent agreement between SHA, TSC, KUPPET, and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to eliminate co-payments at accredited facilities—a move that appears to have done little to quell discontent on the ground.
Hardship Allowance Row Emerges
In Samburu County, teachers have issued a two-week strike notice over the removal of hardship allowances after the region’s classification was downgraded from hardship to moderate.
Educators argue the decision ignores the realities on the ground, including persistent insecurity linked to banditry.
“Whoever conducted that particular research has no information about Samburu,” one teacher said.
“Teachers are undergoing hardship, especially when it comes to security. We all know we have even lost teachers to banditry.”
Pressure Mounts on Government
With protests spreading and threats of strikes intensifying, pressure is mounting on the Teachers Service Commission and the government to urgently intervene.
The unfolding crisis risks derailing the academic calendar, leaving thousands of learners in limbo just as the second term begins.
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