Fresh details have emerged revealing that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions failed to negotiate for several key benefits during discussions that led to teachers being onboarded into the Social Health Authority (SHA) system. The revelation comes amid growing dissatisfaction among educators, many of whom are now questioning how critical benefits were left out of the final agreement.

At the centre of the controversy is the absence of group life insurance cover, a lucrative benefit that teachers previously enjoyed under the former medical insurer, ION Minet. According to newly emerging information, the benefit was never secured during negotiations by the representatives mandated to protect teachers’ welfare.

The issue has gained renewed attention following the recent onboarding of police and prison officers into SHA under the USALAMA cover, which many observers describe as more comprehensive. Comparisons between the USALAMA cover and the teachers’ WALIMU cover have intensified, with teachers arguing that their scheme lacks several high‑value benefits despite both falling under the Public Officer Medical Scheme Fund.

It has now been clarified that the differences in benefits are not due to one group receiving preferential treatment, but rather the outcome of employment‑based negotiations. SHA CEO Dr. Masi Mwangangi explained that teachers, police, and prison officers have historically been served under employer‑managed medical arrangements, with benefit packages shaped entirely by negotiated contractual terms.

“This is not a question of one group being placed on a better SHA package,” Dr. Mwangangi noted, adding that the final benefits depend on what was agreed upon during negotiations by each employer and their representatives.

However, this explanation has done little to calm tensions. Teacher unions are now facing pressure from their members, with calls growing louder for accountability over why crucial benefits — such as group life cover — were not pursued during negotiations.

Beyond benefit disparities, teachers are also raising concerns over limited access to healthcare services under the new SHA system. Many educators report being denied treatment as hospitals struggle with delayed payments and uncertainty surrounding SHA reimbursements. Some facilities have reportedly declined to offer services to teachers until clearer payment mechanisms are established.

SHA has acknowledged challenges in the rollout but maintains that there has been a significant expansion in healthcare access. According to the authority, the number of contracted health facilities has increased from about 800 to over 9,000 nationwide, a move intended to improve coverage and access to care.

However, SHA is currently undertaking a re‑contracting process with healthcare providers to renegotiate terms. While the move is aimed at improving quality and controlling costs, stakeholders fear it could result in a reduced number of approved facilities, potentially worsening access challenges for teachers.

As dissatisfaction continues to grow, unions are now pushing for the matter to be revisited by key stakeholders, including the TSC, the Ministry of Education, and SHA officials. Teachers insist that gaps in the current cover must be urgently addressed to restore confidence in the new health scheme.