Matiang’i explodes over gaps in teachers’ medical cover
By Kiprono Keileb, April 10, 2026Former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) and Jubilee Party presidential flag bearer Fred Matiang’i has strongly criticised the government over what he said are gaps in the medical cover for teachers, saying the situation reflects deeper failures in service delivery.
Matiangi raised concerns about how public funds are being managed and warned that continued silence on key issues affecting workers could push the country in a dangerous direction if not addressed urgently.
Speaking while touring Matuu town in Machakos County alongside the United Opposition team on Friday, April 10, 2026, the former CS said the county is heading in the wrong direction and urgently needs corrective action to improve and streamline service delivery.
In his remarks, Matiang’i questioned the state of the teachers’ medical insurance programme, insisting that leaders in government must openly account for how funds allocated to the scheme are being used and why teachers are still facing challenges despite large budget allocations meant to support their healthcare needs.
“Hatuko hapa kuwaambia mambo ya msaha na kupoteza wakati, Kenya inaelekea babaya sana na hatuwezi nyamaza tena. Nilikuwa waziri wa elimu na tulilimana sana na watu nikiwatetea. Medical cover ya walimh budget allocation yao ni ksh 17billion, kama kweli hawa walio uongozini saa hizi wanasema wanafanya kazi, waambie walimu hadharani kwamba hio cover nani alipewa, wakubwa wa serikali ndio wanao hujumu walimu,” he said.
Matiang’i further emphasised that accountability in public spending, especially in essential services like healthcare for teachers, must be prioritised. He argued that failing to clarify such issues only deepens mistrust between citizens and government institutions.
Govt moves to fix data challenges in teachers’ medical cover scheme
The government has moved to review the progress of the teachers’ medical insurance programme as concerns emerge around operational and data management challenges affecting the scheme.
The Ministry of Health had recently said the consultation focusing on evaluating the implementation of the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA) had been conducted, adding that the programme has already made significant strides in expanding access to healthcare for teachers and their dependents across the country since the rollout of the new health financing framework.
“The scheme currently covers 413,577 teachers and 807,426 dependents, reflecting significant progress in expanding access to healthcare for teachers and their families,” the statement reads.
According to the ministry, thousands of teachers have already sought medical services through the programme since it transitioned to the new system late last year.