Kenyan teachers have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's move to transfer their health insurance to the Social Health Authority (SHA), decrying a lack of public involvement. The backlash emerged hours after union leaders signed an agreement with the government. At a conference in Mombasa, primary school heads walked out in protest.
Teachers have voiced dissatisfaction with the government's decision to transfer their health insurance from the group led by Minet Kenya Ltd to the Social Health Authority (SHA), highlighting a lack of public participation. The shift affects over 400,000 teachers and is set to begin officially on December 1, 2025. The agreement was reached when leaders from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and KUSNET met with officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and SHA in Nairobi.
However, at the annual conference of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) in Mombasa, primary school heads complained that the transfer occurred without their consent. They criticized the unions for approving it without consultation or notification. Some left the hall immediately upon hearing the news. “We are not being involved in this transition. Can such an important matter be signed behind our backs?” said one agitated representative in the Sheikh Zayed hall.
The heads vowed to raise complaints in upcoming union elections, threatening to oust anyone opposing their demands. KNUT officials are expected to speak on Thursday, while TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei is due to arrive on Tuesday.
“There are many gaps that SHA has not addressed. Some diagnostic tests are not fully covered,” said Tobias Obuogo, head of Ugina Primary School in Homa Bay. He suggested the government pilot the system first. Sarah Mhonja from Zimbalo Primary School in Vihiga noted that many teachers are unaware of the new plan. Moses Kadienge, a KEPSHA officer from Homa Bay, added that the process seems rushed and difficult to understand. “We hear the agreement has already been signed in Nairobi. They should have waited to test the plan. There's too much haste and little transparency,” said Kadienge, head of Ramba Comprehensive School. He complained that SHA deductions have reduced his salary.
Teachers stated that President William Ruto promised better health insurance, not a forced transfer. They demanded assurances that their contributions will be safeguarded and not diverted to other public health projects, along with details on monitoring and evaluating the transition.