Strengthening Teachers’ Healthcare Delivery Through Strategic Reforms
Nairobi, Kenya - - Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, chaired a high-level consultative session bringing together key stakeholders, including the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking the close of a two-day retreat anchored on the joint communiqué signed on .
The forum, which brought together KUPPET representatives from all 47 counties, focused on assessing measurable progress across key priority areas in benefits administration following the transition of teachers to SHA under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
Significant milestones were reported, including the full activation of the Last Expense Benefit, which provides a payout of KES 300,000 upon the loss of a principal member. An initial batch of 160 claims submitted through TSC and SHA has been processed and is set for disbursement, with a commitment to settle future claims within 48 hours.
The meeting also confirmed that the Ex-Gratia Management Framework is now in place, alongside the finalisation of partnerships with overseas medical facilities, expanding access to specialised treatment under the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover.
To strengthen responsiveness, SHA has intensified regional engagements to ensure emerging issues are addressed promptly while reinforcing service delivery at the grassroots level.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed key policy directives, including the lifting of tariff locking, ongoing targeted negotiations within a four-week timeline, the reactivation of TSC county structures, and the reinforcement of the walk-in, walk-out service guarantee.
Looking ahead, the session was briefed on the imminent rollout of the National Ambulance Services to streamline referral systems, with plans underway to operationalise referral hospitals in Bungoma, Kericho, and the Coast region to further decentralise access to quality care. In addition, teachers managing chronic conditions will now receive medication covering a full one-month dosage.
The meeting also underscored that assistive devices remain a core component of the teachers’ benefits package.
Through sustained dialogue and structured collaboration, the Ministry continues to advance a healthcare system defined by trust, efficiency, and responsiveness, in line with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
The session was attended by Mercy Mwangangi, Anthony Lenayara, KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori, Vice Chairperson Julius Korir, and Ibrahim Mumin.