Teachers have threatened to stage a nationwide strike if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap their medical insurance scheme and move them to the Social Health Authority (SHA) without consultation.

Through the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), the educators say the current Minet Teachers Medical Scheme, administered by MKL Minet under a contract with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), is legally anchored in the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and cannot be unilaterally dismantled.

The contract expires on 30 November 2025.

Kuppet officials argue that abolishing the scheme without their consent would breach the CBA and amount to an unfair labour practice.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori accused the government of sidelining teachers on a matter that directly touches on their health, welfare, and professional dignity.

“The Teachers Medical Scheme is not a token. It is not a favour. It is a right secured through a transparent, painful, and lengthy negotiation process that culminated in the 2025–2029 CBA. Any attempt by the government to dismantle it unilaterally is a gross violation of the law and a betrayal of the very people who sustain the country’s education system,” said Misori.

He warned that if the policy is implemented without involving teachers, it will be the single issue that sends them to the streets.

“Consider this a threat if you must, but it reflects our firm position. Teachers were not consulted on this matter,” he said.

Misori rejected the idea of placing teachers under a blanket universal health plan, saying their unique needs must be recognised—especially when other sectors such as Parliament and the Judiciary retain specialised medical schemes.

“We are the largest cadre in the public service and among the highest contributors to the national health pool. Yet we are being treated like second-class citizens. Universities, Parliament, the Judiciary, they all retain specialised cover. Why not teachers?” he posed.

The Kuppet boss accused the TSC of failing to communicate any intention to shift from MKL to SHA, a silence that has sparked anxiety and anger among teachers nationwide.

“Under the current scheme, we gave up our medical allowance. That money previously enabled teachers to purchase private insurance on the open market. It was consolidated into a pool to fund this comprehensive scheme—but even that is now at risk,” he said.

Teachers previously operated under IOMINET and MINET before the scheme moved to MKL. Misori questioned the repeated restructuring without transparency and demanded to know what happened to the medical allowances.

“Someone must explain where our medical allowances went, and who authorised these transfers without our participation. Teachers must be involved in decisions regarding their healthcare,” he said.

Kuppet revealed it only learnt of the planned transition through media reports, with no formal notice from the Ministry of Health or the TSC. Misori said unless the proposal is stopped and urgent consultations begin, teachers will have no choice but to strike.

“It may appear to be a single issue, but it is a critical one,” he said.

The union is also pushing for a wider national dialogue on education policies, including teacher welfare, workloads, and funding.

“Only the other day, we were asking for dialogue on capitation of allowances and the new education frameworks. Now they’re coming for our health. This cannot stand,” Misori said.