The Social Health Authority (SHA) has settled 1,567 compensation claims totaling Ksh.1.2 billion for police officers injured while on duty, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi reported.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, Dr. Mwangangi assured senators that the Authority remains committed to ensuring all injured officers receive the benefits they are entitled to.
She revealed that while 1,567 claims were settled, 432 were declined due to various reasons, and 129 are currently under dispute. Additionally, 95 claims remain pending because of incomplete documentation, while 155 are undergoing payment processing and 41 are under further review.
Despite these updates, senators noted discrepancies between the figures provided by SHA and those reported by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSH). As a result, the committee directed the three agencies to reconcile their records to ensure consistency in compensation claims.
“As a committee, we are directing SHA, NPSC, and DOSH to engage and submit a consolidated list of claims,” said Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi, chair of the session.
The committee also emphasized that SHA should not dismiss or defer claims on the grounds that an officer was allegedly off-duty at the time of injury, reminding that police officers are considered on duty 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the senators highlighted that injured officers should not undergo a second medical assessment, as DOSH is the legally mandated body to carry out such evaluations.
Senators pledged to continue monitoring the process until all affected officers receive the compensation they are owed, underscoring the importance of timely and fair treatment for those who risk their lives in service.
The SHA’s commitment to settling claims and the Senate’s oversight reflect a concerted effort to safeguard the welfare of police officers nationwide.
