On November 30, 2025, at midnight, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) migrated all teachers from MINET, which had administered the Teachers Medical Scheme for nearly a decade, to the new Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Under the new scheme, teachers can cover only one declared spouse and declared children (up to five). Children qualify up to 21 years old, or up to 25 years old if fully dependent and enrolled in full-time post-secondary education.
A child with a disability has no age limit, provided they are fully dependent on the principal member. Additional children beyond the five can be covered at an extra premium.
How TSC Teachers Can Add a Second Wife Under SHA Medical Cover After Moving from Minet
However, teachers in polygamous marriages or those wishing to add a second wife can still do so, but the extra spouse is classified as an additional dependent, meaning the teacher must pay an extra premium.
Below is the procedure that a teacher who seeks to add an extra spouse can follow:
Step 1: Ensure the Spouse Is Registered on SHA
The second wife must register individually with SHA through the Afya Yangu portal https://afyayangu.go.ke/ using National ID, or USSD *147#.
Also Read: Countdown Begins as TSC Gives Minet 48 Hours to Surrender Teachers’ Data
This is mandatory because all dependents must be in the SHA system before they can be linked to a member.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To add a second spouse to your SHA medical cover, you must first assemble all the necessary documents.
These include a copy of your spouse’s National ID and valid proof of marriage, which can be a marriage certificate, an affidavit, or a letter from your area chief, which is especially acceptable in polygamous marriages.
You will also need your spouse’s phone number so they can provide consent through a one-time PIN (OTP) sent via SMS. In cases where the family structure needs clarification, you may also be asked to provide additional proof to confirm the household arrangement.
Step 3: Submit the Dependent Addition Request
Option 1 — Online Registration
- Log in at https://sha.go.ke/ or https://afyayangu.go.ke/
- Go to: Profile → Dependents → Add Dependent
- Choose “Spouse” as the dependent type
- Enter details and upload required documents
- Provide spouse’s mobile number → they will receive an OTP to confirm
- Submit and wait for confirmation (usually 24–48 hours)
Option 2 — USSD (147#)
- Dial *147#
- Select SHA Menu → Manage Dependents → Add Dependent
- Enter details and complete OTP consent
- Upload documents when prompted (or later at a service point)
Option 3 — In Person
You can also complete the process in person by visiting any SHA branch, Huduma Centre, or TSC office. Once there, request to “Add Dependent under POMSF Top-Up” and submit all the required physical documents for processing.
Step 4: Handle Waiting Period & Premium Payment
- A 30-day waiting period applies before the second spouse can use the cover (except when replacing a deceased spouse).
- You must pay an additional premium, depending on the package selected.
Also Read: TSC Releases Criteria and Guidelines for Selection of Teachers Nationwide
- Payment can be processed via the SHA portal or through TSC payroll deductions.
- In polygamous unions, only one spouse is covered for free; all others require a paid top-up.
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