On February 5, 2025, officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) along with numerous educators from Uasin Gishu County staged a significant protest at the Minet Insurance offices located in Daima Towers, Eldoret City. The demonstration was in direct response to ongoing issues with the quality of medical services provided by Bliss Medical Centres, an accredited service provider for teachers under Minet’s insurance scheme.
The protest comes amidst a backdrop of growing frustration among teachers over what they describe as inadequate medical care. Complaints include limited access to healthcare facilities, especially those outside major urban centers, and the quality of services at the accredited Bliss Medical Centres. Teachers have expressed their dismay over being restricted to facilities that they claim are ill-equipped to handle even basic medical needs, let alone chronic conditions.
According to recent discussions and reports, teachers have been particularly vocal about being turned away from hospitals or facing long waits for necessary treatments. This has led to a significant outcry not just in Eldoret but across several counties in the North Rift region, where teachers have threatened strikes if their healthcare grievances are not addressed promptly.
The tension has been brewing for some time, with similar protests and complaints noted in previous years. For instance, in 2023, parliament summoned Minet Insurance over similar issues regarding the quality and accessibility of medical services for teachers. MPs questioned the insurer’s handling of the teachers’ health cover, which is worth billions of shillings, highlighting the dominance of companies like Bliss in the sector and their service delivery shortcomings.
During today’s protest, union leaders demanded immediate action from Minet and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to rectify the situation. They are advocating for the removal of restrictions on accessing quality healthcare and an expansion of the network of accredited hospitals to include more reputable and well-equipped facilities.
KUPPET and KNUT officials have also called for a thorough review of the contract terms between TSC and Minet, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in how these services are managed. They argued that the current system does not serve the best interests of the teaching community, which is crucial for the education sector’s stability and effectiveness.
Posts on social media platforms have been rife with teachers sharing their experiences, further amplifying the issue. These posts reflect a sentiment of frustration and a call for better oversight and improvement in the medical insurance scheme provided by Minet.
Bliss Medical is owned by controversial businessman Jayesh Saini.
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