NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 – The government has assured that all former employees of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will continue serving under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) for the next six months.
This temporary measure aims to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and address growing concerns within Kenya’s healthcare workforce.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who convened a high-level meeting with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and SHA leadership, emphasized the importance of a stable and seamless transition as Kenya moves toward the full rollout of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
The decision follows consultations with PSC Chairperson Antony Muchiri and SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohamed.
Duale confirmed that former NHIF staff will remain in place until SHA finalizes its recruitment processes, thus avoiding operational gaps during the transition period.
“This move is essential for legal compliance, continuity, and stability in our health financing system,” said Duale.
“We are committed to a smooth shift to a more inclusive and accountable health insurance regime under UHC.”
The directive also allows for the immediate redeployment of ex-NHIF staff who have applied to join other government agencies, with the PSC expected to begin processing reassignment requests next week.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of growing unrest among healthcare workers, many of whom feel left behind in the government’s health reforms.
A joint statement issued by leaders under the Health Sector Caucus warned of a looming nationwide strike unless long-standing demands such as salary harmonization, job security for UHC contract workers, and the settlement of gratuity arrears are urgently addressed.
