Teachers are set to be moved from the MINET-managed medical cover to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and enrolled in the Public Officers’ Medical Scheme Fund by December 1, 2025, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education on Thursday, September 18, 2025, TSC Acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei explained that consultations are ongoing with the National Treasury, the Office of the Attorney General, the Police Service, and SHA to finalise the legal and financial framework.
“It is proposed that teachers will be onboarded to the new scheme under SHA from December 1, 2025, once all consultations and frameworks are finalised,” Mitei said.
The announcement came as lawmakers pressed the Commission on the performance of the current MINET scheme, which runs until November 30, 2025. Mitei noted that the existing cover caters for teachers and their dependents, providing inpatient, outpatient, maternity, evacuation, and funeral benefits.
“The current medical cover provides a wide range of benefits, and we have enhanced it to respond to challenges such as premature births and delays in pre-authorisation,” she explained.
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Committee Chair Julius K. Melly demanded an evaluation of how well the scheme serves teachers.
“Have you assessed the current medical cover and how it is working for teachers? We must be sure it is delivering real value,” Melly said.
Concerns over the impending transition dominated the session. Vice Chair Eve Obara warned against downgrading benefits.
“We cannot afford a downgrade of benefits. Teachers have long complained of delays and denials; SHA must guarantee better services,” Obara emphasised.
Other members, including Phyllis Bartoo and Rebecca Tonkei, questioned whether teachers had been consulted in the decision. At the same time, Clive Gesiaro called for clear accountability.
“We want to see timelines, we want to see deliverables. Teachers cannot be left in limbo during the transition,” Hon. Gesiaro noted.
The Committee also revisited the issue of allowances. TSC said the 1997 gazette notice guides hardship allowance, while housing allowance rates are determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Mitei added that Isiolo Municipality was upgraded in 2024 to Cluster 3, raising house allowance rates.
But MPs criticised the reliance on outdated policies.
“This is an outdated gazette notice. Hardship areas in the country have changed since 1997, and it is unfair to ignore current realities,” said Abdul Haro.
TSC confirmed that the Ministry of Public Service is reviewing hardship classifications to reflect current socio-economic realities.
Concluding the session, Melly pledged continued oversight.
“Our teachers deserve dignity and fairness. This Committee will continue to work with the Commission and relevant agencies to ensure no teacher is disadvantaged,” he said.
By Joseph Mambili
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