By Caroline Katana
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kwale branch has firmly opposed the government’s decision to enroll teachers in the newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme, warning that the move could undermine their current medical benefits.
KNUT’s Msambweni branch secretary, Bashir Kilalo, argued that teachers are already adequately covered under the MINET insurance scheme, which provides comprehensive medical services both locally and internationally.
“Teachers already have a dependable health cover through MINET. It caters for all medical needs, including specialized treatment outside the country. Forcing them into SHA could put the lives of teachers with chronic illnesses at risk,” said Kilalo.
He highlighted that the MINET policy has long served as a vital support system for educators, not only offering medical treatment but also covering travel and logistical costs for those referred overseas.
“With MINET, if a teacher is referred abroad for treatment, the insurance covers travel, accommodation, and hospital expenses for both the patient and their caregiver. The new SHA scheme cannot match these provisions,” Kilalo added.
He criticized the government for seeking to make SHA registration mandatory without adequately consulting key stakeholders, including teachers’ unions.
“The government must clearly explain how SHA will function and what benefits it guarantees before making enrollment compulsory. A healthcare reform initiative should be built on transparency, not coercion,” he said.
The SHA, which replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), aims to deliver universal health coverage to all Kenyans. However, professional associations such as KNUT have raised concerns over its structure and implementation, calling for extensive consultations before the transition takes effect.
Kilalo reaffirmed that teachers will continue relying on the MINET insurance cover until the government proves that the SHA system offers equal or superior benefits.
“We are not against reforms, but teachers should not be forced to abandon a proven system for one whose effectiveness remains uncertain,” he emphasized.
The standoff reflects the growing unease among public sector employees regarding the shift to the SHA scheme, which has yet to win the confidence of many unions.
