The government has announced the resolution of key benefit administration issues under the teachers’ medical scheme, including the long‑awaited release of last expense claims, operationalisation of ex‑gratia support, and access to overseas treatment for complex medical cases.
In a joint statement issued by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi, and KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu, the parties confirmed that payments for the Last Expense Benefit will begin on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. A total of 160 claims have been fully processed, with each case set to receive Sh300,000 disbursed to next of kin. Duale said a prompt and seamless claims process has now been established, noting that the benefit is payable upon the demise of a principal member.
The CS also revealed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has finalized contracting overseas referral facilities to handle life‑threatening conditions that cannot be managed locally. Several top‑tier hospitals in Turkey, India, and Saudi Arabia have been onboarded, with the first patient scheduled to travel abroad on Tuesday night for specialized treatment. “The facilities and access guidelines have been published, and we encourage teachers to utilise the contracted hospitals for specialized care,” Duale said.
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To cushion teachers facing catastrophic medical costs, the government has operationalised an Ex‑Gratia Management Framework.
The mechanism allows teachers whose treatment exceeds standard cover limits to formally apply for additional financial support.
Under the arrangement, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will receive and vet applications before forwarding them to SHA for settlement of approved compassionate claims.
The measures also align with broader efforts to stabilize the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) following weeks of complaints over delays and benefit administration bottlenecks.
By Masaki Enock
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