The Social Health Authority (SHA) has clarified that it can enrol teachers under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), refuting earlier claims by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia. In a statement issued on April 26, SHA emphasized that teachers, along with all other Kenyans, are eligible for its coverage, as long as they are registered and contribute their monthly premiums.
Macharia, during an appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee on March 25, had stated that SHA had declined to enrol teachers due to a lack of nationwide infrastructure. She explained that previous efforts to onboard teachers had failed because SHA was unable to provide sufficient structures to cater to TSC employees across the country. However, SHA has now countered these claims, asserting that it has over 8,000 contracted health facilities nationwide to serve all its members, including teachers.
SHA further clarified that teachers are eligible for a range of benefits, including the Primary Health Care Fund (PHCF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Critical, and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF). The authority also reiterated that TSC employees, like other Kenyans, are not prohibited from enrolling in complementary insurance schemes for enhanced healthcare packages. These schemes can be arranged through valid insurance underwriters, allowing employers like TSC to provide additional coverage for their employees if desired.
Moreover, SHA stated that TSC can enrol its members in the Public Officers’ Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), which offers complementary benefits based on the commission’s budget. This provides a path for teachers to access additional health benefits beyond the standard SHA coverage.
Despite the claims of infrastructure gaps, SHA assured that it is fully capable of offering the necessary services to the 360,000 teachers under TSC’s employ. The clarification has alleviated concerns over the viability of enrolling teachers in the national health scheme, setting the stage for potential future collaboration between TSC and SHA.
