Govt rolls out helpline and reforms to improve teachers’ medical cover
By Kiprono Keileb, March 12, 2026The Ministry of Health has announced new steps aimed at improving healthcare services for teachers as the government continues implementing reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA). The measures were discussed during a meeting between health officials and leaders of the Kenya National Union of Teachers.
The meeting was led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday, March 12, 2026, who met officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers to discuss the welfare of teachers and how the new health financing framework will work for them.
“Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale today held a bilateral meeting with the leadership of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), led by Chairperson Patrick Munuhe, to discuss measures aimed at improving the health and welfare of teachers under the Social Health Authority (SHA),” the statement reads.
The Ministry explained that the engagement followed earlier discussions with other key education stakeholders as the government works to transition thousands of teachers into the new healthcare arrangement.
“The engagement follows earlier consultations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), as the Government continues to streamline the transition of 413,577 teachers to the new health financing framework,” the statement reads.
Officials said the discussions focused on implementing the commitments contained in a joint agreement signed earlier this month to ensure teachers receive reliable and quality healthcare services.
“During the meeting, the CS outlined key actions from the joint communiqué signed on 10 March 2026, focusing on strengthening service delivery, improving system efficiency, and ensuring teachers’ access to quality healthcare under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF),” the statement reads.
One of the major resolutions reached during the meeting was the introduction of a continuous education programme to help teachers better understand the medical scheme and how to access its services.
“Among the resolutions reached was the rollout of a continuous member education programme through the teachers’ national network, supported by a 24-hour toll-free helpline dedicated to teachers,” the statement reads.
The Ministry also noted that the new programme will guide teachers on how to update their information, access improved benefits under the scheme, and follow the right procedures during emergencies.
“The initiative will guide members on updating portal information, understanding enhanced POMSF benefits, and using appropriate channels during emergencies. The meeting also agreed to introduce quarterly tripartite utilisation assessments to review data, monitor performance, and strengthen quality assurance across healthcare providers,” the statement reads.
Health officials further emphasised the importance of accountability in the system and announced plans to introduce a digital platform to report any cases of fraud or misuse of healthcare services.
“To enhance accountability, the CS also highlighted a digital incident reporting mechanism aimed at addressing fraud, double billing, and unauthorised charges outside SHA coverage,” the statement reads.
The Ministry confirmed that several senior government officials and representatives from the health and education sectors attended the meeting to support the implementation of the reforms.
“The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi, DHA CEO Anthony Lenayara, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, and TSC representative Chrisantus Odhiambo, among other officials,” the statement reads.