Teachers Threaten to Paralyse Learning as Schools Reopen for Second Term

As schools reopened across the country for the second term on Monday, teachers from different counties took to the streets to protest over several unresolved issues affecting them.

The demonstrations began barely a day after learners resumed classes, with teachers warning that learning could be disrupted if the government fails to address their concerns.

One of the main issues raised was the delay in implementing the agreed Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover terms. Teachers said they are still struggling to access quality medical services despite previous promises made by the government.

According to the protesting teachers, many are still being asked to make co-payments at hospitals, while others are unable to access treatment because only a few health facilities are accredited under SHA.

Teachers from counties such as Kisii and Kajiado said the situation is worse in their areas because there are limited hospitals that accept the SHA cover.

They also complained about poor communication from SHA officials and hospitals, saying they need clear information on how the medical scheme is supposed to work.

Another major issue raised during the protests was the delay in employing Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.

The intern teachers said the government had earlier promised to absorb 44,000 interns, but that promise has not yet been fulfilled.

They argued that a court ruling made in February had already declared their continued stay as interns illegal, and therefore the government should move quickly to offer them permanent jobs.

Teachers from Trans Nzoia County also threatened to hold demonstrations within the next seven days if the medical cover issues are not fully resolved.

Apart from teachers, officials involved in last year’s KNEC examinations also joined the protests.

These included invigilators, supervisors, centre managers and contracted professionals who claimed they have not yet been paid for the work they did during the 2025 national exams.

They said the government had already set aside money through a supplementary budget, but their payments are still delayed.

With schools reopening for the second term, parents and learners are now worried that learning may be affected if the government does not respond quickly to the teachers’ demands.

The protests have raised fresh concerns over the smooth running of the school term as teachers insist they will continue pushing for their rights.