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Opposition blames Ruto for teachers’ SHA woes
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
What you need to know:
- Opposition leaders said switch to the Social Health Authority has left teachers struggling for adequate coverage.
- Reports indicate that over 400,000 teachers nationwide face growing healthcare challenges under SHA.
Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto’s government of undermining the medical insurance of thousands of teachers, weakening gains made before the 2022 General Election.
Speaking during a church service at Njabini Catholic Church in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, the politicians said the switch from Minet to the Social Health Authority (SHA) had left teachers struggling for adequate coverage.
“The previous medical cover, valued at Sh17 billion, was scrapped, leaving teachers without proper insurance. Under SHA, they are denied services and left to fend for themselves,” said Dr Fred Matiang’i, former Education Cabinet Secretary.
Dr Matiang’i described the move as a betrayal, highlighting administrative failures in the education sector. He said access to care had become more complicated compared with Minet, which had clear reporting channels and a dedicated emergency response system. He pledged to restore proper coverage after the 2027 General Election.
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Attorney-General Justin Muturi echoed Matiang’i's sentiments.
“Teachers are suffering under SHA, but we will reverse these policies soon,” Mr Gachagua said.
Reports indicate that over 400,000 teachers nationwide face growing healthcare challenges under SHA, with unions warning of a possible boycott if the system is not urgently fixed.
Teachers Service Commission Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei.
Cases include educators being denied treatment at major hospitals due to delays and unclear procedures.
Teachers were transitioned to SHA on December 1, 2025, after consultations between their unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
TSC acting CEO Evaleen Mitei set up a joint Technical Committee, including representatives from Knut, Kuppet, Kusnet, Kessha, and Kepsha, to oversee the process.
Systemic failures
Despite assurances of a smooth migration, unions say problems persist months after rollout. Kuppet National Chairman Omboko Milemba, also Emuhaya MP, said delays in benefits and unclear complaint mechanisms remain.
“After the three-month test phase, we demanded a review to address emerging issues,” he said, citing cases at Nairobi Hospital, Avenue Hospital, Guru Nanak Hospital, and Aga Khan University Hospital. Kuppet Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima said the union would meet next week to determine next steps.
Social Health Authority CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi makes her remarks during the 2026 Legislative Retreat for Members of the National Assembly at Lake Naivasha Resort in Naivasha, Nakuru County on January 28, 2026.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi dismissed the complaints as isolated. She said data shows more than 225,000 teachers and dependents have accessed services, and the issues reported do not reflect systemic failures.
Opposition leaders also criticized claims that teacher recruitment letters were being issued outside TSC authority.
“The recruitment of teachers is constitutionally under TSC. We want to know how politicians and cartels are issuing letters outside this mandate,” said Dr Matiang’i.
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia described such practices as unsettling.
The leaders also demanded an explanation on the involvement of Kenyans in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Gachagua questioned why untrained youth were sent to conflict zones, while relatives in Nyeri mourned Charles Wangari, who died in Ukraine on December 25, 2025.
Ukrainian Defence Intelligence recently confirmed the deaths of two more Kenyans, bringing attention to the risks faced by nationals recruited with promises of employment abroad.
On February 5, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that more than 200 Kenyans participated in the conflict, with over 20 rescued so far.
President Ruto has defended the labour export programme, noting that 200–500 Kenyan youths leave weekly for work abroad in construction, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
