National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced plans to intervene in the ongoing dispute between teachers and the government over the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme. This follows KNUT’s two-week ultimatum up to April 8. Wetang’ula will meet Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale next week to seek a resolution.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula expressed his intention during a meeting with teachers from Bungoma County at his home in Kanduyi. He stated, “The challenges you have presented are serious. I will meet Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale next week to discuss practical solutions and ensure they are resolved without delay.” He added that the complaints are not limited to Bungoma but also affect teachers in Kuria, Narok, and Ndhiwa.
The offer follows a high-level meeting on Thursday in Mombasa between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), SHA, and unions including KNUT and KUPPET, which reached agreements on co-payments and access to health facilities. However, grassroots union officials have rejected the deal, warning of unresolved issues.
KNUT Vice Chairman Aggrey Murumba Namisi said, “We do not want teachers to continue suffering when they are being deducted twice. They are being deducted from the SHA scheme, and Mwalimu covers them. You should let teachers choose the facilities they want to be treated at and not have SHA choose for them. If you do not fix it in the next 14 days, we will fix it.” Bungoma KUPPET Executive Secretary Augustine Luketero criticized high out-of-pocket costs and reduced benefits.
Wetang’ula appealed for patience among teachers, welcoming the shift to SHA but insisting it must function effectively for all.