Teachers’ Unions demand clarity as TSC plans to move 400,000 educators to state health scheme
The looming transition has sparked anxiety within the teaching fraternity, with unions demanding a full breakdown of how the new scheme will operate.
Teachers’ unions are intensifying pressure on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over the planned transfer of more than 400,000 educators from the current Minet medical cover to the government-run Social Health Authority (SHA).
The looming transition has sparked anxiety within the teaching fraternity, with unions demanding a full breakdown of how the new scheme will operate.
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The TSC has scheduled a meeting with union representatives at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi to discuss the matter, a letter dated November 7 addressed to Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori confirms.
Similar invitations have reportedly been extended to the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET).
The talks are aimed at reviewing the proposed changes and addressing concerns raised by the unions.
President William Ruto, during a meeting with teacher representatives at State House in September, directed the Ministry of Education, SHA, and unions to work together on evaluating the medical scheme.
The President questioned the cost and efficiency of the Minet cover, citing higher inpatient costs for teachers compared to other public sector workers.
“Access to inpatient services by teachers is lower than the market. Data shows that on average it costs Sh117,000 per inpatient visit, whereas the market average is Sh100,000, and for civil servants it is Sh98,000. That means you pay more on every visit, so we cannot continue with this medical cover as it is,” President Ruto said.
Despite the government’s push for transition, KUPPET has sought a comprehensive explanation of the new scheme.
Misori said the commission has largely communicated through media statements but has not provided formal briefings to unions.
“The Commission claims that the new scheme is ready for implementation, yet it has not shared any details with the union as required under public participation principles,” he stated.
The union is calling for transparency on capitation rates, benefit structure, hospital networks, and how authorisation and referrals will be handled under the SHA. Misori emphasised that any new plan must maintain or improve upon the services currently offered under Minet.
“The union will demand that any new scheme must build upon the services currently offered under Minet and be comprehensive,” he added.
With the current Minet cover set to expire on November 30, the outcome of the discussions will be critical in deciding whether teachers accept the SHA transition or push back.
Unions stress that the process must safeguard educators’ healthcare access and ensure no reduction in benefits.
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