A battle is brewing between Kenya’s teachers and the government over plans to migrate them from the long-standing Minet medical cover to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Although touted as a pathway to expanded healthcare access, unions say the scheme lacks clarity and transparency, sparking fears of disruption in service delivery.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), through its acting CEO Evaleen Mitei, recently told Parliament that discussions are underway to place teachers under SHA by December. The urgency stems from the fact that the Minet contract lapses next month.
In a joint meeting held at the TSC boardroom, SHA presented its proposal to union officials, promising teachers access to over 9,000 health facilities across the country—ten times more than the current Minet network. While this appeared promising, union leaders voiced skepticism.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) boss Collins Oyuu emphasised that while President William Ruto has previously spoken about reviewing medical cover for teachers, the shift to SHA cannot happen overnight. “We must subject this matter to extensive consultations with our members before any endorsement,” he said.
Kuppet’s deputy secretary-general, Moses Nthurima, insisted that teachers cannot be “herded” into an unfamiliar system. He decried the government’s top-down approach and demanded direct engagement with teachers on the ground.
The unions also flagged persistent concerns about service delivery under Minet, such as delays in pre-authorisation for admissions and insurers’ alleged prioritisation of profits over patients. They argued that unless such inefficiencies are addressed, the problems could be replicated or even worsened under SHA.
Adding to the debate, Ndung’u Wangenye of the Kenya Teachers Health and Welfare Association called for guarantees that SHA’s proposed contributions would translate into comprehensive benefits. “Teachers cannot be expected to pay tens of thousands annually only to receive fewer benefits than under Minet,” he warned.
The unions have resolved to escalate consultations within their decision-making organs, including the National Executive Council, before making a binding decision. Their stance underscores a growing demand for accountability and transparency as the government pushes forward with the SHA transition.
For now, teachers remain in limbo, uncertain whether the new system will deliver better healthcare or further complicate an already fragile scheme.
