A new storm is brewing in Kenya’s education sector as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) prepares to migrate teachers to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, sparking sharp resistance from teachers’ unions and widespread concern over the future of medical coverage. With the current insurance contract under Minet Kenya set to expire in just four weeks, uncertainty now hangs over the fate of more than 370,000 teachers and their dependents.
Unions Cry Foul Over Lack of Consultation
Teachers’ unions, led by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have expressed outrage, accusing TSC of sidelining them in key decisions affecting teachers’ welfare. The unions argue that the move to the SHA scheme — which will replace private insurers — was made without adequate consultation or transparency.
“We were not consulted on this major transition. Teachers have a right to know how their healthcare will be managed,” said KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori. “The SHA model might end up denying our members benefits they currently enjoy under Minet.”
KNUT officials echoed these sentiments, saying the government’s push to implement the new plan by year-end is premature and could disrupt essential services for teachers who depend on uninterrupted medical access.
Government’s Push for a Universal Scheme
The Social Health Authority (SHA) was established to oversee Kenya’s new universal health insurance program under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The government argues that the SHA will bring efficiency, equity, and accountability in the management of health coverage for all public servants, including teachers and police officers.
However, unions claim the government is using public servants as a “testing ground” for an unproven system. They warn that rushing the transition could lead to chaos similar to what was experienced during the early days of NHIF reforms.
Private Hospitals Sound Alarm
Private healthcare providers have also raised red flags, saying they may suspend services to patients covered under the SHA if delayed payments and administrative inefficiencies arise. Some hospitals have even threatened to cut the credit line extended to SHA, citing fears of slow reimbursements similar to those that plagued NHIF in the past.
If private facilities withdraw, teachers may be forced to rely solely on public hospitals, which are already overwhelmed and under-resourced. This, unions warn, could significantly lower the quality of care for educators and their families.
The Minet Factor: Teachers’ Trusted Partner
For years, Minet Kenya has managed the teachers’ medical cover, offering access to a wide network of hospitals and a responsive claims system. Many teachers have expressed satisfaction with the service, saying they fear losing key benefits such as outpatient cover, maternity services, and specialized treatment for chronic illnesses.
“Minet has been efficient. You walk into a hospital and get treated without unnecessary delays,” said one teacher from Machakos County. “We fear the new SHA system might not match that level of service.”
Political Undertones and State House Meeting
The controversy intensified after a high-level meeting at State House that brought together TSC officials and union leaders. Though the discussions focused on improving teacher welfare, insiders say the SHA issue dominated the agenda. Reports suggest that teachers were informed of the plan to migrate them from Minet to SHA before the end of the year, a revelation that left unions angered and confused.
Some analysts view this as part of a broader government effort to consolidate all public insurance schemes under one umbrella, reducing administrative costs. However, critics say this centralization could lead to bureaucratic delays and weaken accountability.
As the deadline for the Minet contract approaches, pressure is mounting on TSC and the government to either extend the current deal or ensure a seamless transition. Education stakeholders are calling for transparency, stakeholder engagement, and clear guidelines to prevent a healthcare crisis among teachers.
“The welfare of teachers must remain a priority,” said a KNUT official. “We will not allow our members to be used as guinea pigs for untested policies.”
For now, teachers across the country are watching closely, uncertain whether their next hospital visit will be under Minet, SHA, or no cover at all. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether TSC can restore confidence — or face a full-blown revolt from one of Kenya’s most influential professional groups.
