Embu teachers issue 7-day ultimatum to govt over unpaid health insurance deductions

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Embu County have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to remit their health insurance deductions to hospitals.

Addressing a press conference in Embu town on Friday, June 28, 2024, they lamented the severe hardship they are facing due to unpaid remittances, which they say have left them without access to essential health services.

Led by branch secretary Jacob Karura, the teachers painted a grim picture of their current reality saying they were being denied medical services due to the unpaid deductions, many resorting to organizing fundraisers, known locally as Harambees, to cover their medical expenses.

"We have written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) about this matter, but we have received no response. Our teachers are suffering, and if the government does not heed our call, we will have no choice but to take to the streets to protest," Karura said.

Eric Kimwere who is also an official for the KUPPET echoed Karura’s sentiments highlighting the mental anguish that the situation has caused teachers, describing it as an added layer of suffering for already overburdened educators.

"The mental trauma we are experiencing is unimaginable. We dedicate our lives to teaching the next generation, yet we are forced to beg for basic health services," Kimwere stated.

They said that the health and morale of the teachers are at stake, and with the frustrations, they might paralyze learning.

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