Teachers brace for midnight shift to SHA Cover

By Newsflash Writer

More than 400,000 teachers are expected to shift to the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover tonight, even as delays by the government in clarifying how the new system will operate continue to fuel anxiety within the teaching community.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Thursday advised tutors to brace for the transition to SHA under the Public Officers Scheme at midnight on November 30, the same day the Milet cover officially expires.

TSC has insisted that the incoming scheme will provide broader benefits, increased service approvals, and improved access to health care. The commission further noted that teachers will be able to seek treatment from 9,000 health facilities across the country, a significant rise from the 4,000 centres previously accredited under Milet.

In the hours leading up to the rollout, many educators have expressed concern that the process may be disorderly due to inadequate communication on the specifics of the new cover. Kuppet Secretary-General Akello Misori and the union’s Bomet branch executive Dr. Swilwin Muge urged members to remain cautious, arguing that several aspects of the rollout still lack clarity. “Teachers are asking: What does this mean for us? Where are our details? How do we shift our information?” one teacher remarked.

Registration problems

Union officials have also highlighted technical troubles encountered during registration. “I’m trying to register, but the system keeps giving the same error. Some details appear locked from the initial registration. Should I input a different number, or can I use my spouse’s?” asked Peter Mararo Onchoba. He added that teachers’ information should have been updated earlier to avoid a last-minute scramble.

Read more: Teachers oppose rush to SHA plan

Other tutors have accused union leaders of failing to safeguard their welfare, claiming that they are helping push through an incomplete transition. “We have been raising alarms, but our leaders seem to be following instructions from above. We feel abandoned,” one teacher said.

Benefits
400,000 — Number of teachers shifting to SHA.
9,000 — Number of hospitals accessible under SHA.
1,000,000 — Assured inpatient cover in shillings per household.

“We don’t have SHA-accredited facilities in Mandera North Sub-County. You mention SHA, and no one responds,” said teacher Libow Abdil Bariho. She warned that the change may leave teachers in the region without essential medical services because no local facility is accredited. “We urge KNUT to reconsider Milet Kenya because no facility in Mandera North acknowledges SHA,” added Bilow Abdil Bariho.

Under the new system, the cover becomes active at midnight, automatically enrolling teachers and their dependants, including children and spouses.

However, many worry that personal details may fail to update during the switchover, potentially blocking access to treatment.

Some educators have also questioned the adequacy of the Sh1 million annual inpatient limit per household, saying it may be insufficient for families with high medical needs. Teachers in remote counties further argue that the SHA rollout will worsen existing challenges in areas with limited medical infrastructure. “Teachers without accredited facilities will suffer. We hope the ministry steps in to resolve this,” another tutor said.