NHIF staff to stay on for six more months during SHA transition

The Public Service Commission has extended the contracts of all former National Health Insurance Fund staff for another six months as the government transitions to the new Social Health Authority.

PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri said the staff will continue serving under SHA until the authority completes its recruitment process or the six-month period lapses.

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

Muchiri made the announcement during a consultative meeting convened by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

The meeting was also attended by SHA chairperson Abdi Mohamed and focused on addressing operational and staffing issues that are key to ensuring a smooth shift to the new health financing system.

The government sees the transition as part of its broader strategy to implement Universal Health Coverage.

Muchiri further directed that workers who have legally asked to be posted to other public institutions should be redeployed without delay.

He said this process will begin next week.

The decision comes just days before the contracts of about 1,700 former NHIF staff were set to expire at the end of May.

The government had earlier stated that the staff would remain under SHA for six months, during which they would be vetted and interviewed for permanent positions.

"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 transition from NHIF to SHA, which officially took effect on October 1, left many staff members uncertain about their future roles.

President William Ruto, however, recently reassured them that their jobs are secure.

While speaking at State House during the flagging off of disease surveillance vehicles for counties, Ruto said the government needs experienced workers to run the new system.

"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.