President William Ruto has assured Kenyan teachers of improved medical services under the newly expanded Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a significant milestone in the government’s healthcare.
Speaking during the 61st Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County, Ruto said teachers will be able to access treatment at 9,000 hospital facilities, up from the initial 900 facilities nationwide. The move is intended to ease the burden healthcare costs for teachers and ensure quality medical services.
He emphasized teachers are the pillars of Kenya’s education system and deserve a comprehensive healthcare support. He noted that the challenges faced by teachers and public servants were due to operational challenges with the scheme, stating access to level 6 hospitals will enhance the range and quality of health services accessible to all.
Ruto said, “Let me assure all workers, especially teachers and public officials, that those challenges are being decisively addressed. The government has already withdrawn the restrictive tariff mechanisms and initiated as structured, nationwide engagement with healthcare providers.”
His remarks came after the Kenyan Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) raised concerns over denied treatment, delaying the access services and lack of proper channels, as some members were turned away from hospitals and forced to incur costs directly. The improvements were made following consultations between the Ministry of Health, KUPPET and KNUT.
On that note, he said there has been an increase in SHA registration under the national health insurance system from 8 million three years ago to 30.8 million today, covering close to 65% of the population, compared to 16% under the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
