Teachers are set for a reprieve after the government announced plans to review the double payment of medical insurance, in a move that could spell changes for their payslips.
The development was revealed by Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Basic Education, on Monday, August 11, during a consultation forum with head teachers of public schools.
During the forum, the first in a series of countrywide consultation meetings to address issues plaguing the education sector, Bitok acknowledged the issue of double payment of medical insurance, noting that the government would create a special scheme for that section of civil servants.
The issue arose after teachers complained of being forced to pay out of pocket in health facilities despite having their salaries deducted from both the Social Health Authority (SHA) and a local insurance provider.
To that effect, Bitok announced that the Ministry of Education would liaise with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the teachers’ unions on the fate of the medical scheme.
"It is not right that teachers are paying twice for medical insurance. That is not the government's position. We are engaging relevant stakeholders so that teachers can benefit from a reliable special scheme like civil servants and other specialised cadres," Bitok disclosed.
The Teachers’ Medical Scheme
The SHA pay structure provides for a mandatory deduction of 2.75 per cent of one’s gross income or household income. The minimum payment currently stands at Ksh300 per month.
The current teachers’ medical scheme, provided by a local insurance provider, covers a teacher, one spouse, and up to four children.
It offers inpatient, outpatient, maternity, optical, and dental benefits. It also includes group life and last expense funeral coverage.
Members can access services without a physical medical card, using their payroll number or biometric verification at accredited hospitals.
Other Issues in Education
Aside from the issue of medical insurance, teachers also lamented the delayed capitation, inadequate infrastructure, and frustrations with the promotion of teachers as priority concerns affecting education.
PS Bitok noted that the countrywide forums would be key in addressing the challenges facing teachers, providing valuable feedback on genuine issues affecting schools and on interventions that will enhance education in the country.
"Head teachers, as hands-on managers, have unique insights into the real state of our education system. We intend to visit each county for a sit-down with principals for candid conversations on what is not right and what can be done better," PS Bitok noted.
Another key issue raised was pensions, with teachers appealing for the timely settlement of pensions for retired teachers. The education practitioners also advocated for the harmonisation of the roles of TSC and Ministry of Education field officers, especially in the inspection of schools.
