Teachers’ medical cover at risk as TSC reports Ksh1.4 billion deficit for 2025/26 financial year

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has raised alarm over a Ksh1.4 billion funding shortfall that could disrupt healthcare access for teachers under the new medical cover system.

Appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee chaired by Julius Melly, TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei revealed that the Commission is facing a significant financing gap following the transition from the Minet insurance scheme to the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Mitei disclosed that as of December 31, 2025, outstanding bills under the previous Minet scheme stand at Ksh7.448 billion. For the current seven-month period under SHA, the Commission requires Ksh8.9 billion but has only accessed Ksh7 billion alongside a supplementary allocation of Ksh7.5 billion leaving a deficit of Ksh1.4 billion.

The revelations came as lawmakers reviewed TSC’s Supplementary Estimates I for the 2025/26 financial year, which has increased by Ksh21.18 billion to Ksh407.69 billion, up from the initial Ksh386.51 billion.

A significant portion of the additional funds Ksh12.86 billion has been allocated to teachers’ salaries, while Ksh7.5 billion is designated for the medical scheme under SHA.

Other allocations include Ksh480 million to address shortfalls in intern teacher stipends, Ksh235 million for medical cover for secretariat staff, and Ksh106 million to strengthen field operations.

Members of the committee expressed concern over the sustainability of the teachers’ medical scheme, warning that continued underfunding could disrupt healthcare services.

ALSO READ:

Law Schools urged to involve former judges, advocates in teaching and mentoring students

TSC officials acknowledged that delays in reimbursements to hospitals could affect service delivery if the funding gap persists.

The Commission also confirmed that it made its first withdrawal under Article 223 on March 5, 2026, to settle payments owed to the Social Health Authority for teachers’ healthcare.

Beyond the medical scheme, the revised budget is expected to influence key operational targets. TSC has increased its recruitment of intern teachers from 20,000 to 24,000 to address staffing shortages, particularly in junior secondary schools.

Additionally, more field officers will undergo training in discipline management, and expanded capacity building programmess are planned for staff.

Lawmakers urged the Commission to tackle ongoing systemic challenges, including delays in pension payments, understaffing in field offices, and inequities in teacher transfers.

By Obegi Malack