A major showdown looms between teacher unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as they meet today to deliberate on the planned migration of more than 400,000 tutors and their dependants to the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme effective December 1.
The Union leaders led Akello Misori of KUPPET, Collins Oyuu of KNUT, and James Torome of KUSNET are expected to table a firm list of demands before agreeing to any transition.
The unions have accused TSC of pushing the process without proper consultation or transparency, warning that teachers will not be moved into a scheme whose terms remain unclear.
Among the unions’ top demands are the inclusion of group life cover, removal of pre-authorization requirements, and unrestricted access to both public and private hospitals.
They also want assurances on timely medical services, citing long delays and limited facilities under the current Minet cover.
This comes as the existing Ksh20 billion Minet medical scheme is set to expire on November 30, prompting TSC to announce plans to migrate teachers to the new SHA scheme.
TSC’s acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei has said the transition aims to give teachers access to over 9,000 health facilities nationwide, compared to the 800 currently available under Minet.
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However, union officials have dismissed this justification, saying the new plan lacks detailed information on capitation levels, benefit structures, and conditions of service.
“We will not accept to be pushed into a system that lacks transparency. Any new scheme must build on what Minet offered and provide comprehensive benefits,” said KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu added that teachers have suffered enough under poor medical services and deserve a plan that guarantees prompt care and dignity.
“Teachers cannot be left waiting on benches for hours due to bureaucratic procedures. We need assurance that service delivery will actually improve under SHA,” he said.
The Kenya Teachers Health and Welfare Association (KETHAWA) through its National Secretary Ndung’u Wang’enye, has also cautioned against the rushed move, warning that the livelihoods of thousands of teachers could be jeopardized if the scheme is implemented without clear benefits and proper structures.
The Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether the unions will endorse or reject the new health plan.
The teachers have been questioning the preparation and capability of SHA to cater for the need of over 400, 000 teachers and their dependants, when its capacity is 9,000. They have also been pushing for proper public participation for them to fully understand and also their views taken into consideration before its implementation.
By Our reporter
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