Teachers’ union rejects govt plan to enrol members in SHA
By Caroline Katana, November 4, 2025The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kwale branch has opposed the government’s plan to enrol teachers into the newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, saying it risks compromising their health benefits.
KNUT Msambweni branch secretary, Bashir Kilalo, said teachers are already adequately covered under the MINET insurance scheme, which provides comprehensive medical coverage both locally and abroad.
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He warned that moving teachers from MINET to SHA would expose them to unnecessary risks, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses.
“Teachers already have a reliable health cover through MINET, It caters for all their medical expenses, including specialised treatment outside the country, forcing them into SHA could endanger the lives of teachers with chronic conditions,” Kilalo said on Monday, November 3, 2025.
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Attempt to make SHA registration mandatory
He criticised the government for attempting to make SHA registration mandatory without consulting key stakeholders like teachers’ unions.
“The government should clarify how SHA will work and what it offers before forcing citizens to register; a system meant to improve healthcare should not be imposed on people without transparency,” Kilalo stated.
The SHA scheme, introduced to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), aims to provide universal healthcare for all Kenyans.
However, professional groups such as KNUT have raised concerns about its implementation and benefits, calling for more stakeholder engagement before rollout.
Kilalo insisted that teachers will continue to rely on the MINET cover until the government proves that the new health scheme offers equal or better protection.
“We are not against reforms, but teachers should not be compelled to abandon a working system for one that is still unclear,” he said.
The standoff highlights growing tension between public sector workers and the government over the transition to the new SHA scheme, which has yet to win the confidence of key unions.