The Social Health Authority (SHA) has reopened its recruitment drive after a court invalidated its previous hiring process, which was limited to former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) staff.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled the earlier process discriminatory and unconstitutional, emphasizing that it violated principles of fair labour practices, equality, and transparency.
Justice Byram Ongaya, in his ruling on a petition filed by public interest litigant Said Omar Abdile, barred SHA from continuing with the March 2025 recruitment and ordered that all positions be re-advertised competitively and openly.
The disputed recruitment targeted senior roles, including Directors, County Coordinators, Quality Assurance Officers, and Principal Officers responsible for county and beneficiary management.
Said argued that excluding candidates outside the NHIF undermined inclusivity and denied qualified Kenyans a fair opportunity.
SHA, in response, thanked all applicants who had shown interest in the positions and acknowledged the contribution of former NHIF staff during the transition to the new system.
"The transition from the NHIF to SHA began on October 1, 2024, with the launch of the TaifaCare system. We thank the thousands of Kenyans who have expressed their willingness to be part of this national reform agenda by applying for various positions," the authority said.
"We also extend our gratitude to the staff of the former NHIF, whose support during this transition has been invaluable," the statement added.
SHA stressed that the ongoing recruitment, which commenced on July 29, 2025, is being carried out meticulously, transparently, and strictly following approved Human Resource and Career Guidelines to ensure that the most qualified candidates are selected.
"Our focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans," SHA concluded.