The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Uasin Gishu branch has raised serious concerns over the management of the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, warning that teachers are increasingly struggling to access healthcare services despite continued salary deductions for medical cover.
According to KUPPET Uasin Gishu branch Executive Secretary Elijah Maiyo, the current structure of the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) has introduced what the union describes as “oppressive and exploitative” conditions that are negatively affecting teachers and their dependents.
Maiyo said teachers are now being required to pay cash for outpatient services, with a fixed limit of Sh 2,500 per visit.
He noted that the amount is insufficient to cater for the rising cost of medical care, especially for chronic illnesses, specialist consultations, laboratory tests and prescribed medication.
He further alleged that the burden has shifted unfairly to educators, forcing many to meet medical expenses out of pocket even after contributing regularly to the scheme.
According to the union, this has left many teachers financially strained, particularly those managing long-term health conditions within their families.
The union also raised concerns over delays in medical approvals for hospital admissions and discharges, as well as administrative bottlenecks that are reportedly affecting access to treatment.
In addition, KUPPET claims that restrictions placed on dependents have made it difficult for families of teachers to fully benefit from the cover.
Maiyo noted that forced registration procedures and system inefficiencies have further worsened the situation, leading to service delivery disruptions at various health facilities across the country.
KUPPET Uasin Gishu branch is now calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms within the SHA framework, arguing that the current model risks undermining access to quality and timely healthcare for teachers and their families.
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The branch has issued a seven-day ultimatum, warning that failure to address the concerns could trigger further action from its members.
The dispute adds to growing tension between teachers’ unions and the government over the rollout of SHA, which was introduced to replace previous medical insurance arrangements and consolidate public health coverage under one system.
By Kithinji Njeru
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