Teachers in Homa Bay County have strongly opposed the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) decision to shift them from the Minet Kenya medical scheme to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), now managed under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The change took effect on December 1, 2025, after TSC officially ended its long-term contract with Minet. Many teachers say the sudden transition has disrupted their access to essential healthcare, leaving them uncertain and frustrated.
They note that for years, Minet allowed them to seek treatment from a wide network of facilities, something they fear is no longer possible under the new system.
According to the teachers, the SHIF arrangement is extremely limiting because only one medical facility in the entire Homa Bay region has been accredited to offer services to them.
The Homa Bay KUPPET Executive Secretary, Stephen Yogo, revealed that the county has 4,175 KUPPET members and about 9,000 primary school teachers, making it impossible for all educators to rely on a single hospital.
Yogo explained that teachers working in far-flung areas such as Miriu and Natela cannot be expected to travel long distances to Homa Bay town every time they need medical attention. He warned that the facility would be completely overwhelmed, and teachers could easily miss urgent treatment.
Teachers further complained that the new medical cover gives them fewer options compared to what they previously enjoyed under Minet, which had multiple accredited facilities across the county.
They fear that if nothing changes, thousands of teachers and their families will remain stranded whenever illness strikes.
Homa Bay KUPPET Chairman, Jack Okoth, issued a stern warning, saying that if the stalemate between SHA and local hospitals is not resolved quickly, teachers might stage a strike.
“If the Ministry does not resolve the standoff between SHA and these hospitals, then we will take to the streets and demand our right to proper healthcare,” Okoth said.
Many teachers have urged the TSC to immediately expand the list of approved hospitals so they can access timely and reliable medical care.
They argue that healthcare is a basic need and should not be compromised, especially for educators who serve thousands of learners across the county.
As concerns continue to grow, both the Ministry of Health and the TSC have remained silent, offering no official response despite mounting pressure.
Teachers say they will keep pushing until authorities provide clear answers and ensure that their health and safety are fully protected.
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