The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have agreed to the transition of teachers’ medical cover to the Safari Hospital Alliance (SHA) after months of consultations and negotiations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
TSC acting Chief Executive Officer, Evaleen Mitei, confirmed that the current teachers’ medical scheme, valued at Ksh20 billion, will expire on November 30, with the new SHA scheme taking effect from December 1.
The breakthrough followed a meeting on Monday, November 10, chaired by Mitei, where key details of the transition were finalized. SHA officials had previously presented their proposal to union leaders in September, highlighting the need for clarity on coverage, service delivery timelines, and inclusion of group life cover.
KNUT Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, emphasized that teachers would not be rushed into the new scheme, seeking assurance on benefits, pre-authorization processes, and hospital network accessibility. After the Monday consultations, teachers and their dependents were guaranteed access to a group life cover, while concerns about pre-authorization hurdles and full disclosure of benefits were addressed.
To facilitate a smooth transition, TSC announced it has revamped its Medical Division and administrative framework. The Commission has also undertaken staff sensitization programs, including field staff, to ensure effective communication and implementation of the new scheme.
“The Teachers Service Commission is holding consultative meetings with Teacher Unions and Associations to finalize the transition of teachers’ medical cover to the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) at Safari Park Hotel,” TSC stated in a social media release.
The move to SHA is expected to streamline medical services for teachers nationwide, providing them with comprehensive coverage, timely access to healthcare, and additional benefits under the new system. With the transition set to begin on December 1, teachers can look forward to improved medical services under the revamped framework.
