NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised the alarm over severe financial strain in secondary schools, citing a delay in government disbursements amounting to over Ksh.64 billion.
Despite the earlier release of Ksh.14 billion, KUPPET says that schools have yet to receive the full allocation for the financial year, leaving institutions grappling with unpaid suppliers, operational shortfalls, and mounting debts.
The crisis has pushed many schools to the brink, with some unable to sustain essential services.
KUPPET Acting Secretary General Moses Nthurima warns that the ripple effects of these funding delays extend beyond classrooms, with the Teachers’ Medical Scheme now facing imminent collapse due to non-payment of bills.
“The Ksh.22 billion medical scheme is crumbling. Hospitals, particularly private and rural mission facilities, have begun suspending services to teachers and their dependents due to outstanding debts,” said Nthurima.
He noted that medical capitation funds were last disbursed in September 2024 as part of a return-to-work agreement between KUPPET and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
However, those funds merely cleared arrears from previous quarters, meaning hospitals have not been compensated for services rendered since then.
By failing to remit the necessary funds, Nthurima argues, the TSC is in violation of the court-sanctioned agreement that was meant to guarantee teachers’ access to medical care.
He also accused the National Treasury of withholding funds that had already been allocated by Parliament.
With no clear resolution in sight, KUPPET has announced plans to convene its National Governing Council (NGC) to deliberate on the crisis.
The council is expected to assess the financial distress affecting schools and teachers and determine the next course of action.
