The Public Service Commission (PSC) has extended the tenure of 1,700 former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) staff now serving under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) for an additional six months. This extension, announced on Thursday by PSC Chairperson Anthony Muchiri, is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and operational stability during the ongoing transition.
The employees’ initial contracts were set to expire this month following the dissolution of NHIF and the official launch of SHA on October 1, 2024. The extension provides a stop-gap measure as SHA finalizes its recruitment and suitability assessment processes, a move central to the full rollout of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
Speaking during a consultative meeting convened by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and attended by SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohamed, Muchiri emphasized the importance of a legally compliant and stable transition. “This arrangement ensures continuity as we strengthen the new health financing framework,” Muchiri said.
In addition to the contract extension, the PSC directed that former NHIF staff who have requested redeployment to other government institutions be reassigned starting next week. This process is guided by transitional clauses designed to ensure no employee is left in limbo.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura had earlier clarified in November 2024 that the affected staff would undergo a six-month assessment period to determine their suitability for permanent roles within SHA. Those not retained will be redeployed within the public service.
President William Ruto has also sought to reassure the affected staff. Speaking at State House while flagging off disease surveillance vehicles, he emphasized that job security remains a priority. “NHIF staff have been given priority in the SHA recruitment. No one will lose their job,” he stated.
The government’s commitment to a smooth transition is a key pillar in the realization of UHC and the operationalization of SHA, ensuring that healthcare delivery remains uninterrupted and effective during this pivotal period.
