A nationwide teachers’ strike has been averted after the government agreed to scrap co-payments and remove limits under the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover following a high-level deal with teachers’ unions.


The breakthrough was reached after consultations involving the Teachers Service Commission, Kenya National Union of Teachers, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers and the Social Health Authority, ending growing fears of industrial action that had threatened to disrupt learning next week.


Under the new arrangement, teachers will no longer be required to make out-of-pocket co-payments at SHA-accredited facilities, while outpatient capitation limits are also set for review upward. The agreement also reportedly expands access to specialised treatment, with additional facilities added to the scheme.


The dispute had been fueled by complaints from teachers who said they were being turned away from hospitals, facing treatment delays, and being forced to pay extra despite being covered under the medical scheme. Both KNUT and KUPPET had threatened nationwide action unless the concerns were addressed.


Union leaders welcomed the move as a major win for teachers, while SHA warned health providers against imposing unauthorized charges, saying facilities found co-charging teachers would face consequences.


The deal is expected to calm tensions in the education sector and ensure schools reopen without disruption, while attention now shifts to implementation and whether the reforms will resolve broader concerns over teachers’ healthcare access.


Reporting Moments That Matter — Hamasta Media