Wetang’ula pledges action on SHA challenges facing teachers nationwide
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 25, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has vowed to intervene in the ongoing crisis facing teachers under the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, promising urgent talks with the Ministry of Health as pressure mounts over access to healthcare.
Wetang’ula said he will meet Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in the coming week to push for practical solutions after teachers raised concerns about delays, system failures, and limited access to treatment under the new cover.
“I acknowledge the concerns raised by teachers over the difficulties in accessing quality healthcare under the new SHA scheme. These challenges are real and require urgent attention,” Wetang’ula said.
He made the remarks after hosting teachers from Bungoma County at his residence, where the SHA issue dominated discussions alongside education reforms and teacher welfare.
Wetang’ula said he had already committed to engaging the Ministry of Health directly.
“Today, while hosting teachers from Bungoma County at my residence, I assured them that I will meet the Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale next week to discuss practical solutions to the early challenges affecting their full access to the scheme,” he said.
The SHA medical cover has faced growing criticism from teachers’ unions, who argue that it has reduced access to quality healthcare. Teachers under the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have reported delays in treatment, system breakdowns and out-of-pocket payments despite government assurances.
Teachers demand SHA reform
In some cases, teachers say they have been turned away from hospitals or forced to pay cash for services they expected to be fully covered. Union officials have warned that the situation could trigger industrial action if not resolved quickly.
Wetang’ula also said Junior Secondary School teachers raised concerns over governance within the education sector, calling for greater autonomy in how the new system is implemented.
“Junior Secondary School teachers also reiterated their call for complete autonomy to support the effective implementation of the new education system,” he said.
Teachers further raised concerns over promotions and employment fairness within the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), issues that have also fuelled tension in the sector. Wetang’ula said he would pursue the matter with the Ministry of Education.
“In addition, concerns were raised about fairness in teacher promotion and employment matters. I have committed to pursuing [this] with the Ministry of Education,” he added.
The meeting comes at a time when teachers across the country are increasingly frustrated with the SHA scheme. Recent protests in parts of the country highlighted ongoing complaints even after government and union leaders announced adjustments to remove co-payments and tariff caps.
Despite those reforms, some teachers insist that problems persist at the point of service, with claims that hospitals still apply limits or delay treatment.
Wetang’ula, however, urged teachers to remain calm and continue supporting national development efforts led by President William Ruto’s administration.
“I also took the opportunity to encourage continued support for President H.E. Dr. William Ruto’s development agenda and urged the teachers to remain united in advancing the country’s progress,” he said.
The Speaker’s intervention adds to growing political pressure on the government to stabilise the SHA system and restore confidence among public servants, especially teachers who form one of the largest groups affected.