Kenyan teachers have opposed a government plan to shift them to the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. The move comes as their current medical cover with a private insurance provider nears expiry.
KNUT Raises Concerns
Speaking in Nakuru, KNUT branch boss Anthony Gioshe said teachers would not accept being onboarded to SHA. He pointed out that other civil servants, including police officers, had raised concerns about poor service under the scheme.
“We have no problem with the Social Health Authority, but we will not go there,” Gioshe stated.
He further argued that teachers deserved an independent medical cover given their large numbers in the public service. A recent report by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) ranked the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as the largest government employer.
Existing Cover Benefits
Teachers currently enjoy a wide range of benefits under the private scheme. These include:
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Maternity, optical, and dental care
- Group life insurance
- Last-expense funeral cover
The plan also covers a spouse and up to four children. Teachers can access services using their payroll number or biometric verification, without the need for a physical card.
Issues of Double Deductions
In the past, teachers complained of double deductions for both SHA and the private scheme. Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok promised that the government would review the matter. This could bring changes to teachers’ payslips.
Looming Crunch Talks
The rejection comes ahead of a crucial meeting with President William Ruto on Friday, September 12, at State House, Nairobi. More than 3,000 representatives from KNUT, KUPPET, and KEPSHA have been invited.
The meeting will discuss challenges facing the education sector. However, teachers have made it clear that medical insurance will be one of their top priorities.
