The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Coast region Executive Secretaries, in collaboration with Social Health Authority (SHA) County Managers, have established County Governance Forums, aimed at improving service delivery and monitoring the implementation of the comprehensive Mwalimu Medical Cover.
On Thursday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presided over the signing of a binding agreement following extensive engagements between teachers’ unions and SHA, after teachers threatened to strike over concerns surrounding the new medical cover under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
In a statement, the CS said the agreement sets up a coordinated framework designed to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability and guarantee uninterrupted access to healthcare services for teachers nationwide under POMSF.
He further pledged to strengthen governance through joint national and county-level forums, alongside sustained stakeholder engagement to boost accountability and improve service delivery.
Coast region KNUT Executive Secretaries convened with the SHA County Managers in Mombasa Friday, where union officials urged teachers to allow the Authority time to address the grievances raised.
The officials noted that the County Forums will compile and release a comprehensive report within a fortnight outlining progress made.
Abdulkadir Mwakodi, KNUT Kwale Branch Executive Secretary, assured teachers that concerns regarding SHA services would be addressed progressively.
Mwakodi highlighted challenges in Kinango Sub-County, where teachers lack access to adequate health facilities and are forced to travel to Diani Municipality for quality care.
“We have appealed to SHA to address this so that teachers can access at least two well-equipped hospitals offering quality services,” he said.
Simon Ibo, KNUT Executive Secretary for Tana River, said the meeting tackled several issues, with the shortage of health facilities topping the agenda, an issue SHA management has committed to resolving.
“We have agreed that once we return to the grassroots, priority will be given to ensuring that facilities not currently enlisted in the panel are incorporated,” said Ibo.
He urged for patience among teachers, stating, “Let us give SHA time. They have committed to closing the existing gaps, and we believe that in the near future, services will improve significantly.”
KNUT Lamu Branch Executive Secretary Ibrahim Shaibu echoed similar concerns, noting that teachers in Lamu East, Witu, and Mokowe continue to face inadequate access to health facilities.
On out-of-pocket expenses, Shaibu reaffirmed that SHA has assured teachers they should not pay any additional costs, as they are covered under an enhanced insurance package.
Dan Aloo, KNUT Executive Secretary for Kilindini Branch and National Trustee, emphasized the need for seamless service delivery, free from technological disruptions that hinder access to care, especially during emergencies.
“Teachers should receive medical services within minutes of arriving at a hospital, and discharge processes must also be smooth where admission is necessary,” he stated.
Aloo further stressed that teachers must not incur out-of-pocket expenses and should promptly report any such cases to union officials. He added that teachers are entitled to quality care in well-equipped hospitals.
“We will conduct visits to hospitals to assess the quality of services offered. Teachers should also receive emergency care without delays, unlike in the past. SHA has assured us of improved service delivery. We urge health providers to avoid any form of discrimination,” he said.
Lenox Mshila from Taita Taveta acknowledged that SHA initially lacked adequate structures, but noted that the management has since committed to addressing the teething challenges experienced during the rollout of the scheme.
“Even the County Managers were either not in place or not fully oriented on their roles. However, this engagement marks a new beginning, and we are optimistic that moving forward, services will improve for our teachers,” said Mshila.
By Sadik Hassan
