Teachers pressure government over medical cover
Teachers are putting pressure on the government to effect a favourable insurance cover and a medical policy.
Over 5,000 tutors from secondary and tertiary institutions in Kiambu County say they got a raw deal from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) which 'pushed down their throats' an insurer whose terms have been unfavourable to them.
Speaking during an annual general meeting of Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) members from the County in Ruiru, their representatives asked the union to intensify the fight for better medical insurance terms.
KUPPET national assistant treasurer Ronald Tanui who presided over the meeting said the union is in talks with government officials to resolve the matter.
Teachers have been up in arms over services offered by AON-Minet Insurance company which was contracted by their employer to provide a medical scheme which they claim is wanting.
The Senate initiated a probe last year following a statement by nominated Senator Rose Nyamunga highlighting the difficulties and frustrations teachers underwent through the insurance scheme while seeking medical treatment with many of them being unable to access the service.
Senators raised concern over sub standard services by AON-Minet noting there were no commensurate services to the monies remitted to the insurer by TSC.
TSC is set to remit Sh 14 billion through the medical insurance cover this year even though teachers have had issues with its effectiveness.
During the meeting, new union officials were re-elected to office led by the chair person Rose Kiiru and new county executive secretary Moses Thogo.
Most of the office bearers were unopposed except for the position of executive secretary in which Thogo beat his only opponent John Mbugua with 848 votes against 252.
Others re-elected treasurer Irene Githua, vice-chairman Lawrence Mwaura, assistant executive secretary Pauline Waceke and organizing secretary Joseph Macharia.
There was some drama when police arrested and briefly detained an intruder who entered the venue masquerading as a teacher.
Ms Kiiru vowed to push for better terms for members of the county and pledged to bring harmony between the union and relevant government departments.
