Duale, KNUT discuss teachers’ SHA healthcare access

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with leaders of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to discuss measures aimed at improving healthcare services for teachers under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The meeting, led by KNUT Chairperson Patrick Munuhe, focused on strengthening healthcare access and ensuring teachers benefit from the ongoing transition to the government’s new health financing framework.

The engagement comes after earlier consultations between the Ministry of Health, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) as the government works to transition 413,577 teachers to the new system.

During the meeting, Duale outlined key steps contained in a joint communiqué signed on March 10, 2026. The agreement seeks to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency within the system, and ensure teachers access quality healthcare services through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).

Among the resolutions reached was the rollout of a nationwide member education programme aimed at helping teachers understand the new healthcare framework and the benefits available to them.

The programme will be implemented through the teachers’ national network and will guide members on how to update their information on the system portal, access improved POMSF benefits, and use appropriate channels when seeking medical assistance.

To further support teachers, the ministry announced the establishment of a 24-hour toll-free helpline. Teachers will be able to seek guidance and support through the hotline numbers 0800 720 601 or short code 147, particularly during medical emergencies or when facing challenges accessing healthcare services.

The meeting also agreed on the introduction of quarterly tripartite utilisation assessments involving the Ministry of Health, teachers’ unions, and relevant agencies. These reviews will analyse healthcare data, monitor performance of service providers, and strengthen quality assurance across health facilities serving teachers.

Duale also highlighted the government’s plan to introduce a digital incident reporting mechanism to enhance accountability within the system.

The platform will allow teachers and stakeholders to report cases of fraud, double billing, and unauthorised charges that fall outside the coverage of the Social Health Authority.

The meeting brought together key officials from the health sector and teachers’ unions, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Social Health Authority CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng Anthony Lenayara, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, and TSC representative Chrisantus Odhiambo.

Officials expressed optimism that the agreed measures will help ensure teachers access efficient, transparent, and quality healthcare services under the new national health financing system.