KNUT raises concerns over SHA transition ahead of December rollout

The union claims the former insurance scheme was more reliable than the new health scheme Social Health Authority (SHA).

Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno said there is a need for the government to ensure teachers do not experience hiccups while seeking medical services in the authorized health facilities.

His words were echoed by Mathenge Wanjau, KNUT secretary, Central region, who indicated that the government ought to cater to their demands before the transition. 

"Teachers are transitioning from minet to SHA. We never know which one is better because we have not tested SHA, though we have stayed with Minet for a few years and it was not perfect. Before we transition, we're demanding that these things be solved," Wanjau stated. 

According to the government, the new scheme offers comprehensive benefits, including outpatient, inpatient, maternity, dental, optical, and specialist services, with a significantly expanded network of over 9,000 hospitals compared to the previous 800 facilities.

The new scheme covers the principal member, one spouse, and up to six dependents, but there are ongoing concerns about potential double deductions due to the mandatory

At the same time, while speaking on the sidelines of their meeting held in Ol-Kalou town, the Teachers Union also wants the government to meet, primarily centered on improved salaries and allowances, enhanced teacher welfare, and better working conditions, as part of the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. 

Otieno said it’s high time the Salaries and Remuneration Commission considers increasing teachers’ salaries and also underscored the need to review the policies on the same.

Currently, teachers are promoted based on appraisal mode and not on the qualifications achieved.