Govt moves to fix data challenges in teachers’ medical cover scheme
By Kiprono Keileb, March 9, 2026The 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 meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Health and the Teachers Service Commission to assess how the programme is serving teachers and their families across the country.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, March 9, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the consultative session was chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and focused on evaluating the implementation of the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover under the Social Health Authority.
“Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale today chaired a consultative meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) delegation led by Ms Eveleene Mitei to review progress in the implementation of the Mwalimu Comprehensive Medical Cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA),” the statement reads.
Officials said 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.
“Since the transition to the new system on 1 December 2025, more than 227,000 teachers have already accessed healthcare services through the programme,” the statement reads.
During the discussions, stakeholders acknowledged that while the programme has expanded access to healthcare, some operational and technical issues have emerged that require urgent attention to ensure smooth service delivery.
“The meeting reviewed operational and data management challenges affecting the scheme, with stakeholders agreeing to strengthen TSC processes, establish a joint technical team involving SHA and the Digital Health Agency (DHA), and enhance beneficiary education to support teachers in navigating their patient portals,” the statement reads.
The government also highlighted the growing network of health facilities now available to teachers under the scheme, noting that the expansion supports the broader Universal Health Coverage agenda.
“With over 9,000 healthcare facilities now accessible nationwide, the engagement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering seamless, quality and affordable healthcare for teachers as part of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda,” the statement reads.
Senior health officials and leaders of key agencies also attended the meeting to discuss ways of strengthening the programme and improving coordination between institutions involved in the implementation of the teachers’ medical cover.
“SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, DHA Chief Executive Officer, attended the meeting. Anthony Lenayara, SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohamed, and other senior Ministry of Health officials,” the statement reads.