Teachers have a few weeks left as they wait for their employer to finalize on approval of an insurance service provider.
Pressure has mounted on TSC as two unions compel the employer to approve NHIF to offer comprehensive medical cover.
Kenya national union of teachers Secretary General Collins Oyuu said in the past, teachers raised concerns regarding the current provider, Minet.
Oyuu said despite the budget deficit, TSC should be able to give teachers a reliable medical scheme.
"Our position still remains that teachers need better than what they have today in terms of medical cover," Oyuu said.
The SG was speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday.
Oyuu backed an initial demand made by Kuppet on Thursday, last week.
"It is our prayer that treasury appropriates more funds to this course so that teachers will be able to access better facilities and satisfactory medical attention," he said.
Kuppet Secretary Akello Misori said budget constraints could block teachers from getting medical services.
Misori said according to TSC, the allocated budget for the teachers' insurance scheme is Sh15 billion.
“We want MPs to hasten the process and approve the amount because NHIF, which is the most preferred cover, wants Sh23.9 billion,” Misori said.
Asked why the unionists are keen on replacing Minet, Oyuu said teachers need better services.
He clarified that in the past, TSC would deal with complaints about poor services differently.
"Our concerns have been raised not once and not twice about medical covers who have underperformed in the past," he said.
In August, TSC advertised for an insurance service provider for teachers.
According to an advert from TSC, interested providers had up to August, 22, 10 am to submit their applications.
"Teachers Service Commission invites sealed tenders for the provision of comprehensive teacher's medical insurance cover," the circular reads.
TSC procured and awarded Minet Kenya Insurance Brokers the contract for the provision of medical cover for all teachers and their dependants with effect from November 1, 2019.
"Tendering will be conducted under a competitive National Open Tender using a standardised tender document and is open to all qualified and interested," the advert reads.
For a provider to qualify, they should have valid registration certificates from Insurance Regulatory Authority.
The contract awarded will serve for a period of under three years and can be renewed annually based on performance.
