The Senate has directed insurance firms to compensate police officers injured while on duty, following years of delays that have left many officers struggling financially. The firm directive was issued on Thursday, October 30, during a tense Senate Committee meeting chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Senator Dullo gave a consortium of insurers 14 days to pay all pending claims approved by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS). She warned that the committee would not tolerate further excuses or delays.
“We are ordering you to pay the claims, and that is a must. It is not a request, and it must be done before the next meeting. We have given you 14 days to provide us with an updated list,” said Dullo.
Lawmakers expressed outrage over the prolonged delays, noting that many injured officers have been waiting for compensation for years, with some cases dating back to the previous regime. The committee emphasized that the delays were “unnecessary and inhumane,” especially given the modest salaries of police officers.
“These officers’ salaries are minimal. They get injured, then sadly, they wait for over five years to be compensated. We must be humane and help them get out of the challenges they are facing,” Dullo added.
Representatives of the insurance consortium revealed that a total of Ksh1.075 billion had been paid to officers as of October 2025. However, the Senate faulted the insurers for failing to settle the remaining claims promptly.
The Committee also resolved to push for amendments to existing laws to strengthen enforcement mechanisms that compel insurance firms to honour claims without delay.
The issue of delayed compensation has persisted for years. In 2024, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) had urged the then-National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), now the Social Health Authority (SHA), to fast-track outstanding claims. Out of 1,756 claims submitted between 2021 and 2022, only 937 were settled—far below expectations under the Work Injury Benefits Act, which requires settlement within 90 days.
