By Ongaga Ongaga
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced the rollout of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services for eligible members under its medical scheme.
This marks a significant step in expanding reproductive health support for teachers across the country.
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In a public notice, TSC said the Social Health Authority (SHA) has “formally activated In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services under the SHA Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover,” with services now available at Nairobi West Hospital, an accredited provider under the scheme.
The Commission acknowledged the weight of the condition, noting that “SHA recognizes infertility as a medically recognized condition with significant physical, emotional, and social effects.”
It added that the benefit is intended to “provide safe, quality care to affected members and their families.”
According to the guidelines, access to IVF services is limited to beneficiaries under the SHA-POMSF (Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover), including principal members and their legally declared spouses.
Applicants must demonstrate a “documented failure to conceive after twelve (12) months of regular unprotected intercourse,” or meet clinical criteria as determined by a qualified specialist.
The benefit comes with clear limits. TSC stated that “a maximum of two (2) IVF attempts per beneficiary” will be allowed over a lifetime.
In addition, the female partner must be “aged forty-one (41) years or below at the start of the treatment cycle.”
Both primary and secondary infertility cases are eligible, although for secondary infertility, couples must not have a living child at the time of treatment.
All cases must also be supported by “a documented clinical diagnosis and a written recommendation from a registered specialist.”
On coverage, TSC clarified that IVF services will be provided within the existing inpatient benefit limits, including procedures such as Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET).
However, in cases where treatment is unsuccessful or cancelled, “costs incurred up to that point will be applied against your inpatient limit.”
The Commission emphasized strict adherence to national clinical guidelines and pre-authorization procedures, noting that only services offered in accredited facilities will qualify for reimbursement.
The IVF services officially took effect on April 24, 2026, at Nairobi West Hospital.
