The Kenya National Union of Teachers has confirmed a fresh round of high-level talks with the Teachers Service Commission and the Ministry of Health over ongoing concerns surrounding the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to the KNUT headquarters, the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Ministry of Health headquarters and will bring together key stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretary for Health, to address pressing issues affecting teachers across the country.
The latest development follows a recent engagement between KNUT, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers, and TSC officials in Mombasa, where several key concerns were raised and preliminary agreements reached.
During the Mombasa meeting, the parties agreed on the need to streamline SHA operations, particularly to address challenges faced by teachers in accessing medical services.
There was also consensus on the need to improve communication between TSC, health providers, and teachers to reduce confusion around the new scheme.
Additionally, stakeholders agreed to review cases where teachers were being turned away from health facilities, with a commitment to ensure that all accredited facilities honour the scheme.
The meeting also emphasised the importance of enhancing service delivery and accountability within SHA.
Union officials further pushed for the removal of unnecessary out-of-pocket payments and called for clarity on benefit coverage, especially for specialised treatment.
The upcoming meeting is expected to build on these resolutions, with a stronger focus on implementation and policy alignment between TSC and the Ministry of Health.
Teachers have increasingly voiced frustration over SHA, citing limited coverage, delays in service, and instances where they are forced to pay for services despite regular deductions from their salaries.
KNUT officials indicated that the outcome of the meeting could determine the next course of action, as pressure mounts from teachers demanding tangible reforms and improved working conditions.
READ ALSO: Kakamega teachers stage protests over SHA, call for intern absorption and JSS autonomy
The engagement is seen as a critical step in resolving tensions between teachers and government agencies, with stakeholders hopeful that concrete solutions will emerge from the discussions.
Despite agreements reached in Mombasa to scrap SHA co-payments and expand medical cover, teachers across the country say the reforms have not been fully implemented, triggering fresh protests
| Area | What Was Agreed in Mombasa (TSC–KNUT–KUPPET–SHA Talks) | What Teachers Are Protesting (Last 2–3 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| SHA Co-payments | Government scrapped co-payments for teachers at SHA facilities | Teachers say they are still paying out-of-pocket despite deductions |
| Medical Coverage | Expanded cover to include more specialised services and more hospitals | Complaints of limited services and rejection at hospitals |
| Access to Healthcare | Commitment that all SHA-accredited facilities must treat teachers | Teachers report being turned away or delayed treatment |
| Chronic Illness Support | Agreement to provide up to 3 months’ medication for chronic patients | Teachers say implementation is inconsistent |
| Outpatient Cover | Plan to review and increase outpatient limits | Teachers claim current limits are too low |
| Accountability of Providers | SHA warned facilities against illegal charges; penalties promised | Continued reports of illegal charges and non-compliance |
| Strike Action | Agreement temporarily halted a nationwide strike | New protests emerging → strike threats resurfacing |
| Teacher Welfare (General) | Commitment to improve service delivery and system efficiency | Teachers cite poor service, frustration, and mistrust |
| Policy Implementation | Agreement to streamline SHA operations | Teachers say |
| Broader Issues (Beyond SHA) | Focus mainly on health cover reforms | Teachers also protesting:• Intern absorption • Low pay • Job insecurity |
By Joseph Mambili
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