A landmark agreement to transition more than 400,000 Kenyan teachers and their dependents to the state-run Social Health Authority (SHA) has created a significant rift within the teaching fraternity. While union leadership has officially consented to the move effective Tuesday, December 1, 2025, a vocal segment of teachers, including school heads, has voiced strong opposition, claiming the decision was made without their involvement.

The deal, finalized on Monday, November 10, 2025, marks the end of the teachers' medical cover provided by a private consortium led by Minet Kenya, whose contract expires on November 30. The agreement was reached following extensive negotiations between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and leaders of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET).

Promised Benefits of the New Scheme

According to the TSC and union officials, the new scheme under SHA promises a raft of enhanced benefits. A key highlight is the massive expansion of accredited healthcare facilities from about 800 under Minet to over 9,600 public, private, and faith-based hospitals nationwide. SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi stated that this expanded network will significantly improve access to care for educators across the country.

The new package is set to be managed through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) and will provide a comprehensive benefits package. This includes inpatient and outpatient services, dental, optical, maternity, and mental health support. Furthermore, the deal secures overseas treatment for conditions that cannot be handled locally, a group life cover, and a last expense benefit of Sh300,000. KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori noted that the cover is comprehensive and will be appreciated by many teachers. Officials also announced that the new system would automate admissions and discharges, removing the often-criticized pre-authorization hurdles that caused delays under the previous insurer.

Dissent Among the Ranks

Despite the assurances from union leaders, the announcement was met with immediate backlash from some educators. Just hours after the deal was signed, head teachers attending the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa protested the move. They accused their union representatives of endorsing the transition without adequate member sensitization or participation. Some delegates reportedly walked out of the conference hall in protest, questioning how such a critical decision could be made without their consent.

This division underscores a deeper mistrust that has simmered for months. Prior to the agreement, union leaders themselves had expressed significant reservations, demanding full transparency on the benefits package and warning the TSC not to rush teachers into an untested system. Concerns had also been raised about a mandatory 2.75% deduction from gross salaries for the SHA, with some teachers fearing it amounted to double taxation.

A Shift from Private to Public Management

The transition represents a major policy shift from a privately managed insurance model to a government-administered fund. The move is part of the government's broader plan to integrate all public servants into the SHA framework to enhance efficiency and accountability in healthcare provision. For years, the teachers' medical scheme under Minet, valued at Sh20 billion, faced criticism and parliamentary scrutiny over alleged mismanagement, delays in approvals, and limited access to services, particularly in remote areas.

To ensure a smooth transition, the TSC has established a Joint Technical Committee with representatives from all teacher unions and head teachers' associations to oversee the onboarding process. Acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei stated that the commission has revamped its internal structures to support the migration and ensure teachers receive quality and reliable medical services under the new national framework. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the government and union leaders can assuage the concerns of dissenting teachers and ensure the new scheme delivers on its ambitious promises.