SHA, TSC and KNUT move to resolve teachers' medical cover challenges

The Social Health Authority (SHA), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have held a two-day consultative meeting to address challenges affecting teachers' access to healthcare under the Mwalimu Cover.

The meeting, which began on October 8, 2026, at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Ruaraka, Nairobi, brought together the leadership of the three institutions to review the implementation of the cover under the Public Officers Medical Scheme (POMSC). Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Dr Ouma Oluga attended the discussions alongside senior Ministry of Health officials.

The talks focused on concerns affecting teachers seeking medical services, including delays in service authorisation, co-payments, accreditation of healthcare facilities and access to specialised treatment, particularly for teachers living with disabilities.

Key deliberations during the meeting included contracted healthcare facilities, unauthorised co-payments, specialised medical benefits, claims processing, digital systems and mechanisms for resolving teachers’ concerns.

KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu commended SHA for introducing a medical cover that has benefited teachers, while calling for continued collaboration to improve service delivery.

These issues are central to efforts to ensure beneficiaries can access appropriate medical services without unnecessary delays or barriers.

The meeting provided a platform for the three institutions to examine the concerns and explore ways of improving the delivery of healthcare under the scheme. SHA reaffirmed its commitment to working with TSC, KNUT and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the medical cover and promote accessible, quality and equitable healthcare for teachers.

The parties also emphasised the importance of sustained engagement, clear communication and adherence to the applicable scheme terms and procedures to improve coordination and minimise disruptions in service delivery.

KNUT, which represents teachers' interests, maintained its commitment to advocating for medical services that adequately address the needs of its members and uphold their dignity. The union has consistently placed teachers' welfare at the centre of its engagement with institutions responsible for their working conditions and benefits, with access to reliable healthcare remaining an important component of that welfare.

The three parties are expected to continue engaging on the outstanding issues, with the aim of improving teachers' experience when accessing medical facilities and ensuring the scheme responds effectively to their healthcare needs. The meeting underscored the importance of cooperation between the health authority, the teachers' employer and the union in addressing beneficiaries' concerns and strengthening confidence in the medical scheme.