IKUPPET Threatens to Exit SHA Scheme Over Failing Teacher Healthcare
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has issued a stern warning that it may withdraw its members from the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, citing persistent failures in service delivery that have left teachers struggling to access healthcare across the country.
“We do not think the leadership of SHA is portraying good leadership. They are trying to undermine the confidence that we have already bestowed on them. We are going to be fed up soon, and once that is done, we are going to walk out of SHA,” Misori said.
KUPPET leaders say the system has been plagued by technical failures, delayed claim settlements, and a shrinking network of healthcare providers willing to offer services under the scheme. These challenges, they warn, risk reversing gains made in improving access to affordable healthcare for teachers.
The union’s latest remarks follow an earlier seven-day strike notice issued on March 5 over delays in medical cover and unpaid claims, raising fears of a possible nationwide teachers’ strike if the concerns are not addressed.
Adding to the crisis, private healthcare providers under the Rural Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) have reportedly scaled back services due to unpaid government claims said to exceed Ksh30 billion. This has further strained the system, limiting options for patients seeking treatment.
KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba criticised the transition from the previous private medical scheme to SHA, noting that teachers are now grappling with unfamiliar processes and reduced efficiency.
At the same time, teachers have raised concerns that the transition to SHA may have undermined benefits guaranteed under their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), leaving them exposed to reduced coverage and uncertainty regarding their entitlements.
Despite the criticism, President William Ruto has continued to defend the SHA programme, highlighting its broader impact on expanding healthcare access across the country.
“Today, we have over 30 million Kenyans registered under SHA. The situation is very different from before. There are fewer out-of-pocket harambees for healthcare. We now hear countless testimonies of people whose medical bills were fully covered,” the president said.
He cited cases where patients’ bills ranging from tens of thousands to over a million shillings had been fully settled under the scheme, presenting it as evidence of its effectiveness.
Education stakeholders warn that a potential withdrawal by teachers from the scheme could have far-reaching implications, not only for the healthcare system but also for the education sector, should industrial action follow.
As tensions escalate, attention is now on whether the government and SHA leadership will engage with the union to address the concerns and restore confidence in the programme.
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IKUPPET Threatens to Exit SHA Scheme Over Failing Teacher Healthcare
