Inside teachers’ transition from Minet to SHA medical scheme
By Cynthia Lodite, April 30, 2026For years, Kenyan government teachers have relied on a familiar medical cover, which has been the Minet-led medical scheme until the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) on December 1, 2025, following agreements between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and unions.
At the time of the transition, teachers raised concerns, including the inclusion of group cover, elimination of access hurdles, and full disclosure of hospitals and benefits.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Ministry of Health held a joint consultative session bringing together the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the Social Health Authority (SHA), addressing various challenges amid the transition.
The Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary detailed various benefits to teachers as the government moves to address long-standing concerns over medical cover for teachers across the country.
Teachers health benefits
While addressing the joint meeting, Duale announced the activation of a Ksh300,000 last expense benefit for teachers under the Social Health Authority (SHA) upon the demise of a principal member.
“I confirmed that the Last Expense Benefit is now fully operational, with a payout of KES 300,000 upon the demise of a principal member,” Duale said.
According to Duale, the initial 160 claims submitted through TSC and SHA have been processed and are ready for release, with future claims to be settled within 48 hours as of Thursday, April 30, 2026.
At the same time, teachers will also access overseas treatment and specialised care under the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover.
Duale further confirmed that the government has institutionalised the Ex-Gratia Management Framework and finalised the contracting of overseas facilities to expand teachers’ access to specialised care.
“We have also institutionalised the Ex-Gratia Management Framework and finalised the contracting of overseas facilities to expand access to specialised care under the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover,” Duale explained.
SHA service delivery
In addition, Duale announced that SHA has intensified regional engagements to strengthen service delivery and address emerging challenges promptly.
On his part, previously issued directives remain in force, including the withdrawal of tariff locking, ongoing targeted negotiations within a four-week framework, reactivation of TSC county structures and reinforcement of the walk-in, walk-out service guarantee.
Following the joint meeting, Duale announced that teachers managing chronic illnesses will now receive a full one-month supply of medication, while assistive devices remain fully covered under the benefits package.