What teachers stand to gain in the new SHA Mwalimu Health Cover


What teachers stand to gain in the new SHA Mwalimu Health Cover

TSC and SHA have also launched a sensitisation campaign to ensure teachers understand how to access services under the new scheme.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has assured teachers that the transition of their health insurance from the current provider, Minet, to the Social Health Authority (SHA) is proceeding smoothly, with measures in place to prevent any disruption of medical services.

The acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei confirmed that data for all teachers has been successfully uploaded onto the SHA system, ensuring immediate access to care.

"The transition is on course. All our data is on the SHA system and teachers can access Medicare whenever required," Ms Mitei told the Daily Nation.

Read: Why education chiefs won't back down on the SHA switch

To safeguard continuity of care for the most vulnerable, TSC has mapped 320 inpatient patients across 100 hospitals nationwide, guaranteeing that their treatment continues uninterrupted during the changeover.

"The 320 inpatient patients have been mapped across 100 hospitals countrywide. Nothing changes and treatment will continue. Sensitisation is ongoing by our field officers and SHA staff," she emphasized.

TSC and SHA have also launched a sensitisation campaign to ensure teachers understand how to access services under the new scheme.

Last week, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei met TSC and SHA officials to prepare for the shift, which has a mandatory deadline of today.

"Preparations are on track. Measures to strengthen coordination are in place to ensure smooth implementation of the planned transfer on 1 December 2025," Mr Koskei said on his Facebook page following the high-level meeting.

The Comprehensive Medical Cover under SHA includes benefits such as in-patient and outpatient services, maternity care, chronic illness management, dental services, optical services, road and air evacuation, last expenses and overseas treatment.

The scheme covers teachers who are principal members, one declared spouse, and up to five children from birth to age 21 -- or up to 25 if they are full-time students. Children living with disabilities registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities are also covered.

Read: What teachers want in new SHA medical cover

Last Friday, President William Ruto promised over 400,000 teachers a superior health cover.

"I know you have had a health cover that has not worked well for you, and I promise you that we will change it. It was lesser than what public servants have, and it is not right. We are correcting that and will make sure everything goes well," said the President.

The new Mwalimu Cover, administered under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) by SHA, takes effect after the full handover of operations and systems from Minet.

The transition will proceed as planned despite a case filed in court by two teachers, with no injunction issued to halt the rollout. The matter is scheduled for hearing on December 10, 2025, several days after the shift.

Teacher unions highlighted that the 30-day termination clause in the scheme provides a safeguard: it allows monitoring of service delivery, hospital access, claims processing, and overall reliability, and permits exit if standards are not met.

"Teachers are aware they will move to a new scheme starting Monday. We suggested exit clauses to allow either party to act quickly if needed. Teachers should not worry about something they have not yet experienced," said Knut Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno.

Since last week, teachers have been receiving messages from SHA confirming their enrollment into the new Comprehensive Mwalimu Medical Cover, which expands access to healthcare facilities from 800 to 9,600 nationwide, including public, private, and faith-based providers.

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