A major standoff is building this week as teachers’ unions push their leaders to decide on a plan to move all teachers to the government’s SHA medical shift.
Many teachers fear this new system could make their financial problems worse and block them from accessing medical services.
They say the current medical scheme works well and should not be changed without proper consultation.
Collins Oyuu, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), said the problem has never been the scheme itself. “The Teachers Service Commission medical plan was working fine,” he said. “The real problem is the government not sending money to Minet on time. Without the funds, hospitals cannot treat teachers.”
Oyuu added that many private hospitals are still waiting for billions of shillings owed by the government. “If these debts remain unpaid, how will the SHA medical shift solve anything?” he asked.
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (Rupha) recently revealed that the government owes hospitals more than Sh70 billion.
The group has now instructed its members to stop offering credit services to teachers. They also warned that from December 1, they will not treat teachers moved to the SHA scheme.
Akello Misori, the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), called for urgent talks. “Private hospitals are essential for teachers’ healthcare. Blocking access would harm their welfare,” he said.
Both Knut and Kuppet have scheduled meetings to discuss the way forward. Knut’s Steering Committee will meet on Thursday, followed by regional and national executive council meetings.
Sources inside the unions say many leaders doubt whether SHA can handle the 460,000 teachers currently under the TSC’s improved medical plan.
Critics also argue that SHA lacks proper infrastructure and financial strength. Teachers worry they could lose vital medical services, especially after Rupha’s decision to exclude SHA members.
Union leaders are now urging the government to involve teachers in every step of the decision. “This is their medical cover, paid for with their own allowances. They should have a say in what system they use,” Oyuu said.
Kuppet added that SHA’s system is still untested and not ready to serve such a large group. They want TSC and the government to consult all stakeholders thoroughly before making the switch.
