Outrage as Teachers Blocked from IVF After Being Asked for Marriage Certificate

A teacher has raised concerns over new administrative requirements under the Social Health Authority (SHA) that initially appeared to require proof of marriage before accessing government-funded IVF treatment, sparking debate over eligibility rules and reproductive healthcare access.

The teacher, who has been managing blocked fallopian tubes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), says she had hoped SHA’s IVF coverage would finally open access to treatment after years of infertility.

However, she says officials rejected her pre-authorisation request due to a lack of a marriage certificate or affidavit of marital union.

“As someone who has struggled with infertility for years, I medically qualify for IVF. But now I am being told that I must be legally married to access the treatment. I find this discriminatory,” she says.

Documents seen from SHA’s communication to Nairobi West Hospital show that patients seeking IVF pre-authorisation must present identification documents alongside proof of marriage or an affidavit, and physically report to SHA headquarters for verification.

Also Read: Duale Explains SHA Position on Marriage Certificate Requirement for Teachers

SHA IVF Pre-Authorisation Rules Raise Access Concerns

The directive also required submission of clinical records, including infertility history, radiology and laboratory results, and a certified report from a gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

The process introduces both clinical and administrative thresholds, meaning patients who meet medical criteria must still satisfy relationship requirements before approval.

The teacher, who has a partner willing to provide sperm but is not legally married, argues the rule excludes medically eligible patients based on marital status.

“Why should I be forced into marriage just to access healthcare? I simply want the opportunity to have a child,” she says.

The IVF benefit falls under the SHA Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover for Teachers Service Commission (TSC) members, activated on April 24, 2026, at Nairobi West Hospital.

Eligibility guidelines define access for principal members and their lawfully declared spouses, requiring documented infertility after 12 months of unprotected intercourse or specialist determination.

The scheme allows two IVF attempts per lifetime and limits female eligibility to 41 years and below.

The benefit package includes ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilisation, embryo transfer, luteal support and repeat cycles within an inpatient limit. Frozen embryo transfers are also covered.

Also Read: SHA Under Spotlight as Ministry of Health Clarifies Services After Viral Garissa Incident

IVF Funding Caps and Approved Facilities Under the Scheme

The scheme caps IVF funding at Ksh600,000 for teachers, while other Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund members have a cap of Ksh400,000.

Approved claims are limited to selected facilities, including Nairobi West Hospital IVF Unit and others.

Policy documents further state that married couples must have a legally recognised union of at least three years.

Legal expert Michael Wanyama says the Constitution does not support denial of healthcare based solely on marital status for principal members, though verification may apply in spousal coverage cases.

He also notes sperm donation is legally allowed and does not require marital linkage under standard eligibility rules.

Concerns remain that strict rules could pressure women into marriages of convenience, though enforcement is not provided for in law.

However, SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi says the issue is an administrative error.

“That was an administrative error that will be sorted immediately. We do not ask for a marriage certificate for you to access IVF… we only need the ID,” she said.

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A collage of SHA CEO Evaleen Mitei and SHA Headquarters in Nairobi. PHOTO/TSC/Streamline