Legislative concern has sparked the potential blocking of a Ksh. 17 billion disbursement by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to an insurance firm for teacher medical cover.
Members of the National Assembly’s Education Committee expressed reservations about the quality of services provided by Minet Insurance Brokers, the entity currently holding a contractual agreement with TSC.
Committee Chairperson Julius Melly conveyed this development following the non-participation of Minet and Bliss Healthcare, the contracted medical services provider, in a scheduled meeting to address the issue.
Melly announced that the committee would recommend to the National Treasury the withholding of funds earmarked for the second year of the contract if concerns regarding value for money persist.
The overall contract, spanning three years, amounts to Ksh. 53,580,306,270.
The first year, running from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, entails a payment of Ksh. 4,890,217,547.
In the subsequent year, covering December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, Minet is slated to receive Ksh. 17,931,261,057.
The third year, from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, involves a payment of Ksh. 20,668,827,666.
Despite Minet representatives being expected at the committee meeting, their absence led to a Ksh. 500,000 fine, as per the Standing Orders.
The committee mandated Minet to present the payment receipt as evidence before the next meeting scheduled for December 19.
Committee Chairperson Melly underscored the significance of Minet’s non-compliance, linking it to the challenges faced by teachers.
Lawmakers maintained their insistence that Minet officials must appear before them.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera emphatically stated that Minet and Bliss have no refuge in the country, emphasizing the obligation to either deliver services or depart.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo decried the non-participation of Minet and Bliss, viewing it as a manifestation of the highest level of impunity towards MPs.
He emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring the judicious utilization of public funds for the benefit of teachers.
By Viola Chepkemoi
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