Following strike threats and mediation offers amid disputes over the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme transition, teachers' union KNUT, SHA and the Ministry of Health have signed an agreement on April 28 to resolve issues and prevent a nationwide walkout. The deal restores last expense benefits to Ksh300,000 and removes tariff locks.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Social Health Authority (SHA) and Ministry of Health have reached an agreement addressing operational challenges in the shift from Mwalimu Cover to the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), following earlier tensions including grassroots rejections of prior deals and Speaker Wetang’ula's mediation offer.
High-level talks on April 28 produced resolutions ensuring seamless medical access for teachers and averting a nationwide strike.
Key measures include restoring the Last Expense Benefit to Ksh300,000, processing 160 pending claims with payments from April 29, and formalizing an Ex-Gratia Management Framework where the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) handles requests and SHA processes approved compassionate claims.
Coverage extends to overseas treatment at specialized hospitals in India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Reproductive health services now include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) at designated facilities.
SHA will immediately remove tariff locking, directing contracted facilities not to charge teachers out-of-pocket during the interim. The joint communiqué states: “To ensure health systems serve and do not frustrate teachers, SHA will immediately withdraw the tariff locking currently configured in the system. Locked tariffs shall only be implemented after comprehensive negotiations are concluded, and exclusively with healthcare providers.”
For sustainability, SHA will negotiate tariffs nationwide with over 3,500 private and faith-based facilities over four weeks.