The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Vihiga County has called on the government to urgently release funds owed to hospitals under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to protect teachers from embarrassment and while seeking treatment.
KUPPET cited increased cases of teachers being denied medical services at hospitals that claimed the government owed them billions in insurance disbursement.
Speaking at his office, KUPPET Vihiga Branch Executive Secretary Charles Otiende said the union had engaged officials from the Social Health Authority, who promised that arrears amounting to Sh4 billion would be settled, but no disbursement has been made to date.
Otiende noted that several hospitals have started turning away teachers seeking treatment, with some facilities claiming that SHA owes them up to Sh50 million. He explained that hospitals have been offering services to teachers from December 2025 to March 2026 without receiving any reimbursement.
“I would like to ask the President to advise the relevant officers to release the money owed to hospitals so that teachers can continue accessing treatment without interruption, as has been the norm. As we speak, teachers are really suffering,” said Otiende.
He further highlighted challenges faced by teachers undergoing specialised treatment, including cancer care.
Otiende also raised concern over teachers suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, who are now being forced to purchase medication out of pocket due to lack of support from hospitals.
In addition, he cited inefficiencies in the SHA system managed by the Digital Health Agency, saying teachers often encounter system failures when seeking services.
“The system is frequently reported to be down or experiencing difficulties, further limiting access to healthcare,” he added.
Otiende warned that teachers may boycott work for the second term if the situation is not addressed, noting that the prevailing uncertainty over their health care is likely to affect their performance.
By Yvonne Misango
