Duale announces Ksh300k funeral benefit for teachers in SHA scheme
By Kiprono Keileb, April 30, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the activation of a Ksh300,000 last expense benefit for teachers under the Social Health Authority (SHA), as the government moves to address long-standing concerns over medical cover for teachers across the country.
The announcement was made on X on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after a high-level consultative meeting bringing together the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the Social Health Authority. The meeting marked the end of a two-day retreat based on the joint communiqué signed on April 23, with leaders reviewing progress made since teachers were moved to SHA under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund.
The CS stated that the teachers from all 47 counties were represented through KUPPET officials, with discussions focusing on medical benefits, claims processing, specialised treatment access, and improving response to complaints raised by teachers at the grassroots.
“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),” the statement reads.
The Ministry said one of the biggest steps made so far is the full rollout of the last expense benefit, which will support families after the death of a principal member by easing the financial burden during a difficult time.
“Significant milestones were reported, including the full activation of the Last Expense Benefit, which provides a payout of Ksh 300,000 upon the loss of a principal member,” the statement reads.
The ministry further revealed that the first batch of 160 claims already submitted through TSC and SHA has been processed and is ready for payment, with a promise that future claims will be settled within 48 hours.
This is expected to reduce delays that have previously frustrated many families and caused complaints from teachers who felt abandoned during emergencies and times of loss.
“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 statement reads.
The meeting also confirmed that the Ex-Gratia Management Framework is now in place, and that partnerships with overseas hospitals have been finalised to help teachers access specialised treatment under the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover.
The ministry stated that this will especially help teachers managing serious illnesses that require treatment not easily available in local hospitals, while reducing delays in referrals and approvals.
“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,” the statement reads.
Duale also reaffirmed other policy changes, including lifting tariff locking, reactivating TSC county structures, and strengthening the walk-in, walk-out service promise to improve patient experience and reduce unnecessary barriers.
The ministry added that teachers living with chronic illnesses will now receive medication covering one full month. At the same time, the planned National Ambulance Services and referral hospitals in Bungoma, Kericho, and the Coast region are expected to improve access to care.
“Looking ahead, the session was briefed on the imminent rollout of the National Ambulance Services to streamline referral systems,” the statement reads.
The ministry said assistive devices will also remain part of the teachers’ benefits package as reforms continue under the Universal Health Coverage agenda.