By Michael Torome
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has cleared the air regarding reports suggesting that over 360,000 teachers might miss out on the newly launched public health insurance coverage.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 26, 2025, SHA assured teachers and their dependents that they are fully eligible to benefit from the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and other related funds, just like any other Kenyan citizen.
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Teachers Eligible for Full Coverage, SHA Clarifies
SHA explained that teachers can access services under three key schemes:
- Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC)
- Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
- Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF)
“All teachers and their dependents are eligible for the Social Health Authority benefits package under the three funds, provided they are registered and contributing,” the statement read.
Complementary Insurance Still an Option for TSC
SHA clarified that while public health coverage is available, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is free to continue offering complementary insurance through private underwriters, if it so wishes.
“The Social Health Authority does not manage the TSC complementary medical cover secured from private insurers,” SHA added.
Alternatively, TSC can opt to enroll its employees into the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund to enhance benefits based on available budgetary provisions.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia’s Concerns Addressed
This development follows TSC CEO Nancy Macharia’s claims before the National Assembly Education Committee that SHA was unable to accommodate teachers due to infrastructural gaps.
Read also:MoH to Link SHA Registration with KRA, NTSA in Ksh.102B Revenue Push
Macharia stated that the Authority cited a Ksh37 billion funding need to onboard teachers into the new public health system, delaying immediate implementation.
“They said they would need Ksh37 billion to enroll our teachers, but even then, they were not ready to take them on this year,” she told lawmakers.
What’s Next?
SHA maintains that it is ready to serve all Kenyans who are properly registered and contributing, including teachers and their families. Meanwhile, TSC will continue offering its current medical cover while exploring future integration with SHA.
For more updates on healthcare reforms in Kenya, visit our News section.
