MPs ditch SHA, the public health scheme they once praised, and opt for private cover
Kenyan MPs have invited bids for private medical insurance for themselves and their families, bypassing the SHIF scheme they publicly praised, raising questions over leadership and use of public funds.
Members of Parliament have abandoned the national public health insurance scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), choosing instead to take private insurance for themselves and their families—despite their strong endorsements of the public scheme.
The MPs have consistently praised SHIF, describing it as the best option for Kenyans and other civil servants. However, their decision to bypass it for their own coverage has astonished Kenyans and civic activists alike.
More To Read
- How Trump–Ruto health deal fills the void left after USAID exit
- MPs demand SHA clears Sh10 billion in pending NHIF bills within three months
- Home Science hit hard as teachers exit for lucrative private ventures - TSC director
- TSC confirms shift to SHA cover for teachers from December 1
- SHA medical scheme for teachers launches midnight amid system errors, legal challenge
- Teachers to stay in same schools after promotions under new TSC policy
The Parliamentary Joint Services has now invited sealed bids from eligible service providers to provide medical insurance cover for Members of Parliament.
In a notice dated December 5, the Parliamentary Service Commission stated that tenders must be accompanied by a tender security of Sh4 million, valid for 217 days from the tender opening date, in the form of a bank guarantee from a reputable bank recognised by the Central Bank of Kenya, payable to the procurement entity.
"The Parliamentary Joint Services invites sealed bids from eligible service providers to tender for the Provision of Medical Insurance Cover for Members of Parliament," part of the notice reads.
Move amounts to hypocrisy
Mukuru Justice Centre Coordinator Anami Daudi Toure told The Eastleigh Voice that the MPs’ move amounts to hypocrisy.
"It is very selfish and hypocritical for MPs to burden taxpayers by going for expensive private insurance cover. If SHA is working well as they claim, then they should be the first people to go for it," said Anami.
He expressed dismay at the action of the leaders, describing them as failing to demonstrate true leadership or act in good faith for the citizens’ interests.
According to the tender notice, prices quoted should be inclusive of all taxes and delivery costs, must be in Kenyan Shillings, and remain valid for 182 days from the closing date of the tender.
Duly completed, serialised, and paginated tender documents—original and copy—should be enclosed in plain sealed envelopes, clearly marked with the tender number and name as prescribed in the tender documents.
They must be deposited in the Tender Box at the Reception on the 4th Floor, Protection House, Nairobi, addressed to the Director General, Parliamentary Joint Services, Parliamentary Service Commission, P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, and received on or before December 19, 2025 at 11:00 am.
The complete tender documents can be downloaded free of charge from the Parliamentary Service Commission website or the Government Tenders Portal at www.tenders.go.ke.
Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Procurement Office on the 4th Floor, Protection House, Nairobi, or via email at [email protected].
Tenders will be opened in the presence of bidders who choose to attend, or their appointed representatives.
Teachers move to SHA
This move comes as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) announced the transition of teachers from the Minet medical insurance plan to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has been providing coverage for teachers for some time.
From December 1, more than 400,000 teachers and their dependents migrated from the Minet Kenya coverage to the new SHA scheme.
Acting TSC CEO Eveleen Mitei said the commission is working to ensure a seamless transition for teachers to the new medical scheme.
SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi added that the government plans to expand benefits within the scheme for teachers over time.
"We're looking to expand this list to include level six hospitals, level five hospitals, level four hospitals, level three A and B hospitals, and level two hospitals, encompassing both public and private facilities, as well as faith-based organisations. Therefore, the offerings for teachers will be significantly improved and expanded," Mwangangi explained.
At the same time, teachers’ unions, who had previously expressed scepticism about the transition to SHA, warned that they would cancel the scheme if the government’s health insurance failed to meet expectations.
Top Stories Today
