Teachers raise concerns over SHA Health Scheme shift

By Newsflash Writer

There is mounting anxiety among teachers ahead of the planned shift of their medical insurance from Minet Kenya to the Social Health Authority (SHA), with complaints emerging over perceived coercion and inadequate consultation.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has reaffirmed that the transition remains on schedule ahead of the mandatory December 1, 2025 deadline. “I held a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission and the Social Health Authority Steering Committee on the TSC transition to SHA. Preparations are on track, and measures to strengthen coordination are in place to ensure the smooth implementation of the planned transfer on December 1, 2025,” Mr Koskei posted on his social media platforms.

Unions retreat for consultation

The announcement coincides with growing concern among teachers’ union officials, who say they are stepping back to gather feedback from their members amid reports of disquiet and claims that they were not engaged sufficiently. “It was reported that the national office has been invited by TSC to a meeting on December 10, 2025 to discuss the proposed medical cover under SHA. It was agreed that this document be shared with our members for feedback before a decision is taken on the way forward,” said a Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) official who requested anonymity.

Adding to the rising tension, two teachers have gone to court to challenge the planned migration. In a petition filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu, the teachers argue that transferring nearly 400,000 tutors from the Minet scheme to SHA beginning December 1 is unlawful.

They insist the decision alters teachers’ employment terms, exposes them to potential loss of benefits, and threatens interruption of ongoing medical treatment.

They further contend that the transition could immediately endanger thousands of teachers, particularly those with chronic conditions. Petitioners Peter Amunga and Martha Omollo argue that SHA is not an insurance provider but a statutory fund that cannot offer guarantees such as underwriting, medical evacuation, overseas referrals, or the comprehensive coverage previously provided by Minet. “The impugned decision was made without any public participation, contrary to Article 10 of the Constitution, and without consultation with teachers, unions, or other stakeholders,” they stated in the court papers.

Legal questions cloud the transition

The petition also claims TSC has failed to release actuarial studies, risk assessments, transition plans, or procurement records, casting doubt on the legality and preparedness of the shift. “The migration exposes teachers to immediate and irreparable harm, including interruption of ongoing medical treatment, denial of care, loss of emergency evacuation, and loss of chronic disease management support.” The court instructed that TSC, the Ministry of Health, Treasury, and other respondents be served with documents ahead of the hearing scheduled for December 10, 2025.

The filing further accuses TSC of violating Article 47 of the Constitution and the Fair Administrative Action Act by failing to issue adequate notice, give reasons, invite responses, or consult those affected before altering medical benefits. “The decision unlawfully alters teachers’ terms and conditions of service, contrary to Article 41 of the Constitution and the Employment Act, as medical insurance forms a fundamental part of employment benefits,” the petitioners argued. Teachers’ unions—previously sceptical before agreeing to back the transition—now say they must consult their members again. A Kuppet official confirmed they had been invited to a December 10 meeting to discuss the SHA cover, while a senior KNUT official said the union had held discussions with regional chapters in Coast, Nyanza, Eastern, Rift Valley, and Western regions.