Tenure of Former NHIF Staff Under SHA Extended

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that all former staff of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will now continue serving under the Social Health Authority (SHA) for an additional period of six months.

This arrangement, according to commission chairperson Anthony Muchiri, will remain in place until SHA completes its recruitment process or whichever comes first.

He spoke during a consultative meeting convened by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

“The move is intended to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and maintain operational stability during the transition period,” he explained.

The meeting, also attended by SHA chairperson Abdi Mohamed focused on resolving operational and human resource matters critical to the continuity of health financing under the new framework.

It forms part of a broader strategy to support the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.

In addition to extending service for former NHIF staff, Muchiri directed that employees who have lawfully requested redeployment to other public service institutions will be reassigned immediately.

The process, he said, is set to begin next week.

These resolutions, Duale said, underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring a stable, legally compliant, and uninterrupted transition to a more efficient and inclusive health insurance regime.

The contract for the 1,700 staff was to end this month.

The government had last year announced that the employees will be with SHA for six months to undergo suitability assessments and interviews for permanent onboarding thereafter.

“Staff not retained will be deployed to other government institutions as per the transitional clauses in the shift to SHA,” Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said on November 26, 2024.

The future of more than staff member was left uncertain following the transition of NHIF to SHA on October 1.

Speaking recently at State House when he flagged off disease surveillance vehicles destined for the counties, President William Ruto reassured employees that their jobs are secure during the transition to SHA.

This, as he highlighted the need for skilled personnel to effectively manage the new health insurance scheme. “As promised, NHIF staff have been given priority in the recruitment process.

Those not selected for positions within SHA will be redeployed to other roles within the public service,” he said.

“My assurance to all Kenyans is that no one will lose their job.”