By Mercy Buyanzi -Trans Nzoia County
Teachers in Trans Nzoia have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, citing unresolved concerns over salaries, medical cover, and employment terms, and warning of a nationwide strike if their demands are not addressed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kitale, the educators criticised the implementation of the current medical insurance scheme, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises of comprehensive healthcare coverage.
“We are here not because we are happy. We want to make a strong statement to the current government. Enough is enough,” said Trans Nzoia Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Executive Secretary Dan Kutai.
The teachers expressed concern over what they described as inconsistent and burdensome medical deductions, noting that monthly contributions have risen from about Sh1,200 to Sh2,500.
They argued that despite assurances of a comprehensive scheme, many teachers are still forced to meet medical expenses out of pocket.
“We are not ready to keep digging deeper into our pockets to pay, yet the government was very clear that the medical cover is supposed to be comprehensive,” the statement read.
Ultimatum and strike threat
The representatives issued a seven-day notice demanding urgent action, including the confirmation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns and the resolution of salary concerns affecting non-contracted education professionals.
They warned that failure to act would trigger nationwide industrial action and disrupt learning.
“We are giving them a notice of seven days. It is mandatory. If they fail to act, we are going to stage demonstrations and paralyse learning across the country,” they said, adding: “It shall not be business as usual.”
Allegations of neglect.
The teachers also accused the government of neglecting education professionals, particularly those involved in national examination duties such as invigilation and supervision.
They said their role in ensuring credible examinations is not matched by fair treatment in terms of employment and remuneration.
“It is quite absurd the way this government is treating teachers. We did our work faithfully, but we are being ignored,” one speaker said.
Call for confirmation of interns
A key demand was the immediate absorption of JSS interns into permanent and pensionable terms, with teachers warning that delays are hurting morale and affecting service delivery in schools.
They insisted that all interns and non-contracted teachers should be confirmed without further delay.
Concerns over women teachers’ deductions
The group also raised alarm over what they termed unfair deductions affecting female teachers, particularly members of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA).
“Our lady teachers have suffered for far too long. These deductions must stop immediately,” they said.
Warning of nationwide disruption
The teachers warned that failure to meet their demands within the stipulated period would prompt nationwide mobilisation and industrial action.
They vowed to “paralyse learning in the entire republic” until their grievances are addressed.
The government had not issued an official response by the time of publication.
