NAIROBI, Kenya — The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has added In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment to the Social Health Authority (SHA) Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover in a move aimed at expanding healthcare benefits for teachers.
In a notice issued on Thursday, April 30, the commission said eligible teachers and their spouses can now access IVF services through the scheme as part of ongoing improvements to the medical cover.
According to TSC, the fertility treatment service has officially been activated under the SHA programme and is currently available at The Nairobi West Hospital, which has been accredited under the scheme.
“The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is pleased to inform all eligible members that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has formally activated In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services under the SHA Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover,” the commission said in a statement.
“This benefit is now accessible at The Nairobi West Hospital, a contracted and accredited healthcare provider under the scheme, with immediate effect,” it added.
TSC said the activation of the benefit took effect from April 24.
The commission explained that the decision followed recognition by the Social Health Authority that infertility is a medically recognised condition with significant physical, emotional, and social impacts on affected individuals and families.
“SHA recognises infertility as a medically recognised condition with significant physical, emotional, and social effects. This benefit is designed to provide safe, quality care to affected members and their families,” the statement said.
Under the new guidelines, beneficiaries will include the principal TSC member and their legally declared spouse.
To qualify for treatment, couples must provide documented evidence showing failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse or secure confirmation from a qualified medical specialist.
The commission also stated that the female partner must be aged 41 years or below at the beginning of the treatment cycle.
Both primary and secondary infertility cases will qualify for coverage. However, for secondary infertility cases, couples must not have a living child at the time of applying for treatment.
TSC further clarified that the benefit will cover a maximum of two IVF attempts per beneficiary during their lifetime under the Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover.
The commission noted that unsuccessful or cancelled treatment cycles — including failed fertilisation, lack of viable embryos, or failed implantation — will still count toward the member’s inpatient medical cover allocation.
