Speaking during a Senate session, Okenyuri said the issue has become a familiar refrain, repeatedly forcing lawmakers to raise it through statements despite earlier assurances from the Ministries of Health and Education that they would resolve it with teachers’ unions.

“This issue has kept recurring, and some time back I saw a pronouncement by both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, saying they were going to address this matter with the various teachers’ unions that met in that meeting,” Okenyuri said.

“I actually do not understand why this keeps coming up, forcing us to raise it through statements. Madam Speaker, the healthcare of teachers is a matter that should be given priority. It is very sad that teachers have to use their own money to access healthcare, yet they are the ones helping to educate our children in schools.”

She broadened the critique, noting that teachers face multiple systemic failures beyond medical cover. “Teachers suffer not only in accessing healthcare, but also when they go to mark examinations, as they are often not paid their dues on time. The challenges facing teachers cut across many sectors.”



Transcript of Senator Okenyuri's remarks:

Okenyuri urged the relevant Senate committee to deliver a lasting solution so the matter stops returning to the House floor as a recurring statement.

Her intervention underscores growing frustration among lawmakers over the slow resolution of welfare issues affecting teachers, who form a critical pillar of Kenya’s education system. No immediate response from the Ministries of Health or Education was available at the time of the debate.