Kenya’s education sector is once again on the brink of turmoil as major teachers’ unions demand clear answers from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding the transition of more than 400,000 teachers to the new state-run health insurance scheme. The move, which was meant to streamline medical coverage for educators, has instead sparked widespread confusion, frustration, and suspicion among teachers nationwide.
According to union officials from KNUT and KUPPET, the TSC has failed to provide clear information on how the transition will affect existing benefits, including inpatient and outpatient coverage, maternity care, and emergency services. Many teachers are now questioning whether the government’s new scheme offers the same level of access they previously enjoyed under the Minet medical cover.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu warned that teachers’ patience is wearing thin, accusing the TSC of “keeping teachers in the dark” about a matter that directly affects their health and welfare. “Teachers deserve full transparency. We cannot sit back and watch as decisions about our members’ lives are made behind closed doors,” Oyuu said.
KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba echoed the concerns, emphasizing that the union had not been adequately consulted before the rollout. “We are not opposed to reforms, but the TSC must come clean. Teachers want to know who will manage their medical data, how claims will be processed, and whether hospitals will recognize the new card on day one,” Milemba stated.
Sources close to the TSC insist that the transition is part of a broader government plan to unify civil servants’ health coverage under a centralized system managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA). However, insiders admit that the process has been “rushed and poorly communicated,” leaving room for misinformation and growing mistrust.
On social media, teachers across Kenya have shared worrying stories of being turned away at hospitals due to confusion over insurance details. Some fear that their families could be left stranded in emergencies if the new system fails to kick in smoothly.
Education experts warn that the standoff could escalate into industrial action if the TSC does not urgently engage the unions and clarify the scheme’s structure. “The TSC cannot afford to gamble with the welfare of teachers. This is not just about insurance — it’s about dignity, trust, and respect,” said education analyst Dr. Mercy Nyambura.
As tension builds, all eyes are now on the TSC to issue a comprehensive statement explaining how the transition will be implemented, the benefits guaranteed under the new system, and the timeline for full activation.
Until then, over 400,000 educators remain in limbo — uncertain whether their next hospital visit will be covered or not.
One thing is clear: unless transparency and communication improve fast, Kenya’s classrooms could soon be filled with more questions than answers.