Teachers, Govt Reach Deal on Medical Scheme, Avert Strike

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the government have reached an agreement on key operational challenges affecting the teachers’ medical scheme under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), easing tensions that had threatened to trigger a nationwide strike.

In a joint statement issued on April 28, 2026, the Ministry of Health, KNUT and the Social Health Authority (SHA) confirmed a series of resolutions aimed at improving service delivery and addressing long-standing concerns raised by teachers.

The statement was signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi and KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu.

Among the key agreements is the establishment of a prompt and seamless claims process for the last expense benefit. The benefit has been confirmed at Sh300,000, payable upon the death of a principal member. A total of 160 claims received so far have been fully processed, with payments to next of kin set for release on April 29, 2026.

The parties also agreed to fully operationalise an Ex-Gratia Management Framework to support teachers facing catastrophic medical expenses that exceed standard cover limits. Under this arrangement, teachers will be allowed to formally apply for additional support. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will finance, receive and vet the applications, while SHA will process payments for approved cases.

In addition, the agreement provides for access to overseas treatment for teachers where necessary.

“To ensure health systems serve and do not frustrate teachers, SHA will immediately withdraw the tariff locking currently configured in the system,” the statement read.

The parties agreed that any future tariff structures will only be introduced after comprehensive negotiations with healthcare providers and validation at county-level forums involving KNUT representatives.

SHA further undertook to conclude tariff negotiations within one month, targeting Level 3 to Level 6 private and faith-based hospitals. Following the negotiations, the authority will continue contracting vetted facilities under POMSF.

Once enlisted, the facilities will be required to offer a “walk-in, walk-out” service model for teachers, with no co-payments expected.