Teachers’ medical benefits expanded as SHA cover replaces Minet from December

Kenyan teachers’ unions and the government have reached an agreement to move all tutors to the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, effective December 1.

The transition will see more than 400,000 teachers and their dependents shift from the Minet Kenya medical cover after months of negotiations, consultations, and parliamentary scrutiny aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent process.

The deal, reached on Monday, November 10, 2025, guarantees uninterrupted access to medical services for teachers as the Sh20 billion Minet contract comes to an end.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions finalised the migration details during a meeting chaired by Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei. The session focused on addressing teachers’ concerns before the Minet Kenya contract expires on November 30, which has been providing nationwide medical cover for educators.

Group life cover

Among the key issues raised by unions were the inclusion of group life cover, removal of pre-authorisation hurdles, and full disclosure of benefits and hospital networks under the new scheme. Teachers had long voiced dissatisfaction over delays, limited access, and lack of clarity under the Minet arrangement.

Mitei announced that the transition will be effected through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), managed by SHA.

“All teachers will transition to the Social Health Authority beginning December 1, following a deal reached between KUPPET, KNUT, KUSNET, and the State insurer,” she said.

She explained that the move forms part of the government’s broader health reform agenda, aimed at integrating all public officers into a unified national medical scheme.

Representatives from KUPPET, KNUT, and KUSNET welcomed the decision, describing it as a progressive step toward equitable and efficient healthcare for teachers. They emphasised that the transition guarantees uninterrupted access to essential medical services, avoiding the disruptions that often accompany changes in insurance providers.

Minimise bureaucratic hurdles

Misori reiterated that the union had long advocated for a system that minimises bureaucratic hurdles and broadens hospital networks for teachers, particularly those in rural and marginalised regions.

Oyuu echoed the sentiment, noting that the SHA framework enhances accountability, transparency, and service delivery.

“This agreement safeguards the health rights of our members. We are optimistic that this new structure will eliminate inefficiencies that have long plagued the old medical scheme,” Oyuu said.

TSC assured teachers that all necessary measures have been put in place for a smooth transition and continued access to care. According to Mitei, a joint technical committee of officials from TSC, SHA, and teachers’ unions has been formed to oversee implementation.

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Stakeholder consultations have also been conducted with the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) and Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) to address concerns from the grassroots.

TSC Medical Division restructured

Mitei added that TSC’s Medical Division has been restructured to strengthen oversight, efficiency, and service delivery.

“The revamped division will coordinate with SHA and medical providers to eliminate delays and ensure teachers receive timely care,” she said.

One of the biggest complaints under Minet involved limited medical providers, delayed pre-authorisations, and inconsistent hospital services. Mitei said these challenges are being addressed under the SHA-managed POMSF through reforms aimed at improving efficiency and access.

She explained that the new framework will expand the number of accredited hospitals and clinics nationwide, including remote areas, ensuring teachers can access healthcare closer to their workplaces and homes. An automated approval system will also reduce pre-authorisation delays that previously hindered timely treatment.

Enhanced oversight mechanisms will monitor performance and compliance among service providers. The system will integrate with national digital health platforms to enable real-time claim processing, ensuring faster and more reliable medical services for teachers.

The TSC unveiled the new medical benefit structure, covering inpatient, outpatient, dental, optical, maternity, overseas treatment, and last expense allowances across all job groups from B5 to D5.

Covers

Under the scheme, inpatient cover ranges from Sh1 million for lower-grade teachers (B5–C2) to Sh3 million for the highest job group (D5).

Outpatient cover ranges from Sh150,000 to Sh450,000 depending on the job group. Dental and optical benefits are standardised at Sh45,000 and Sh60,000 respectively, while maternity cover ranges from Sh120,000 to Sh300,000. Overseas treatment is capped at Sh2.2 million, and a last expense benefit of Sh300,000 will assist families with funeral arrangements.

The scheme also introduces telemedicine services and aims to eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring equitable access for all teachers and their families.

The transition to SHA comes amid widespread complaints over delayed reimbursements, hospital rejections, and inadequate coverage under Minet Kenya. By integrating teachers into the broader POMSF, the government seeks to centralise healthcare management for all public officers, improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

For years, the teachers’ medical scheme has been contentious between legislators and TSC, with MPs accusing the Commission of mismanaging the Minet contract and demanding transparency.

In September, SHA officials presented a proposal to union leaders, promising access to more than 9,000 accredited health facilities—up from 800 under Minet. While unions welcomed the expansion, they stressed that service quality and accountability must remain top priorities.

Full transparency

KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu insisted that teachers should not be rushed into a new system without full transparency.

“We need group life cover, timely service delivery, and clarity on what is covered. Our members deserve full disclosure before the transition,” he said, recalling delays and long travel distances under Minet.

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori noted that the new plan must match or surpass current benefits.

“We need to see the fine print, capitation levels, referral rules, and the scope of services. We cannot operate on promises,” he said.

KUPPET Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima added that teachers should have freedom to choose between public and private facilities without unnecessary restrictions.

“Every teacher should access healthcare in their home county. None should lose coverage during the switch,” he said.

Mitei assured that the transition would be seamless and that all stakeholders are engaged to ensure teachers benefit from the expanded SHA access.

Improving teacher welfare

“We are engaging all stakeholders to ensure teachers benefit from the expanded access SHA promises,” Mitei said, reaffirming TSC’s commitment to improving teacher welfare through continued dialogue with unions and education stakeholders.

She outlined key milestones, including the formation of the joint technical committee, continuous stakeholder engagements with KNUT, KUPPET, KUSNET, KESSHA, and KEPSHA, and the revamp of TSC’s Medical Division.

Mitei confirmed that sensitisation and awareness campaigns will be conducted across all counties to familiarise teachers with the new system, benefits, and procedures. She assured that the Commission will continue to monitor implementation and address emerging challenges.

The unions pledged to work closely with TSC and SHA to ensure a successful transition and promptly address any issues during rollout.