The long-awaited consultative meeting between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions over the fate of the Social Health Authority (SHA) has ended in a stalemate, leaving thousands of teachers uncertain about their medical coverage. The collapse of these talks is a major setback for educators who were eagerly waiting for clarity on how their health insurance and welfare would be safeguarded under the new SHA framework.
Background: From Minet Insurance to SHA Transition
For years, teachers across Kenya have relied on Minet Kenya Insurance Brokers Limited, contracted by TSC, to manage their medical insurance scheme. Through this arrangement, teachers and their dependents accessed medical services across hospitals and clinics countrywide.
However, the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA) under the Social Health Insurance Act marked a new beginning for Kenya’s healthcare system. The SHA was tasked with replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), promising to streamline universal healthcare coverage and eliminate inefficiencies.
While the government welcomed the transition, concerns were raised over how specific professional groups—teachers included—would be integrated. This led to calls for dialogue between TSC, the employer, and teachers’ unions to iron out details regarding premiums, benefits, dependents, and access to services.
If you missed our earlier coverage of union reactions to health cover changes, check out KUPPET’s Misori Threatens “Mother of All Strikes” Over Teachers’ Health Cover Changes.
The Stalemate: What Went Wrong?
Despite high expectations, the latest meeting between TSC, teachers’ unions, and SHA representatives failed to bear fruit. Insiders at the talks reported that both sides were unwilling to cede ground on key issues.
Points of contention included:
| Issue | Teachers’ Concerns |
|---|---|
| Premium Contributions | Unions demanded clarity on how much would be deducted monthly under SHA, insisting that contributions should not exceed Minet’s rates. |
| Benefit Packages | Questions were raised on whether the new SHA scheme would cover specialized treatments, maternity, and chronic illnesses at the same level as the current arrangement. |
| Dependents | Teachers rely on medical cover for spouses and children. Unions sought guarantees that these dependents would not lose benefits. |
| Hospital Access | Teachers feared that SHA might restrict hospitals available under the scheme, forcing higher out-of-pocket costs. |
With neither party offering concrete solutions, the talks ended abruptly, forcing teachers to continue living with uncertainty.
Voices from the Ground: Teachers’ Growing Anxiety
Teachers across the country have expressed frustration over the deadlock. Many feel that they are being overlooked despite being one of the largest groups under government employment.
A secondary school teacher in Kakamega said:
“We are the ones who shape the future of this country, yet every time our welfare is on the line, nobody seems to listen. This SHA issue should have been sorted out long before it reached this point.”
Another teacher from Kitui lamented that the prolonged discussions were already affecting service delivery in hospitals:
“Hospitals are hesitant to serve teachers as they don’t know who will pay the bills. If SHA is not ready, why not allow Minet to continue until things are properly set up?”
The voices from the ground highlight a bigger issue—teachers do not feel adequately protected in the ongoing reforms.
Union Leaders Push Back
Both KNUT and KUPPET have strongly criticized TSC for failing to secure favorable terms for teachers. They argue that forcing teachers into SHA without clear safeguards would expose them to financial risk and poor medical services.
KNUT Secretary-General noted:
“Teachers cannot be used as guinea pigs in testing this new system. We demand a clear, transparent plan that protects the welfare of every teacher before SHA takes over.”
KUPPET leadership echoed similar sentiments, warning that they would mobilize their members to resist any deductions until the matter is conclusively resolved. This firm stance mirrors their earlier threats of strikes if teachers’ welfare was not prioritized.
TSC’s Position
The TSC has maintained that it is committed to ensuring teachers are not disadvantaged during the transition. In a brief statement, officials noted that discussions were ongoing and that both unions and the SHA should remain engaged.
However, many teachers feel that the Commission has not been firm enough in defending their interests. Critics argue that TSC’s cautious approach is creating room for uncertainty and mistrust.
What the Collapse Means for Teachers
The failed talks mean that, for now, teachers remain in the dark about their health insurance. The uncertainty comes at a time when:
- Medical costs are soaring across the country.
- Teachers are grappling with financial pressures, including high loan repayments.
- The SHA is still struggling to gain full acceptance from various sectors.
The immediate implication is that teachers risk interruptions in medical services, particularly in cases where hospitals are unsure about reimbursement channels.
The Way Forward
While the stalemate is worrying, there are a few possible scenarios in the coming weeks:
- Extended Negotiations – TSC and unions may return to the table under pressure from teachers and the Ministry of Education.
- Temporary Extension of Minet Scheme – To avoid disruption, TSC may renew Minet’s contract until SHA structures are fully ready.
- Policy Directive from Government – The Ministry of Health could issue a directive mandating how teachers will be integrated into SHA, though this risks sparking more resistance.
Why This Matters
The outcome of these talks will not only determine teachers’ access to healthcare but will also set a precedent for how other professional groups are integrated into SHA. If mishandled, the issue could trigger unrest among teachers, who form one of the most organized unions in Kenya.
At the core of the matter is the right to accessible, affordable, and reliable healthcare for teachers and their families. Until a solution is found, teachers remain in limbo, anxiously watching the next move by their employer, unions, and government.
Final Word
The collapse of the TSC–Unions meeting on SHA underscores the urgent need for clear communication, transparency, and accountability in policy implementation. Teachers are not asking for special treatment—they are demanding fairness and clarity.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: teachers will not sit back quietly while their health and that of their families hangs in the balance. The ball is now firmly in the court of TSC, unions, and the government to chart a way forward.
