Over 1,700 workforce under the merged National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) are facing uncertainty regarding their future employment status. This uncertainty follows the transition of NHIF to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) which has now been in operation for the past two months.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said NHIF employees will be transitioned to SHA and other government departments. Photo: Felix Koskei. Source: Twitter
While some employees were promised integration into SHA, many others are anxious about their job security as their contracts have lapsed.The transition from NHIF to SHA is part of a broader effort by the Kenyan government to improve healthcare delivery systems across the country.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that all NHIF staff have been seconded to SHA for six months. During this period, they will undergo assessments to determine their suitability for permanent positions.Many employees are awaiting communication regarding their future roles within SHA.
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Building , Nairobi on February 8, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]
Some have expressed fears about how this change will affect their livelihoods and families. “We have dedicated our careers to serving Kenyans through NHIF,” said one employee who wished to remain anonymous. “Now we are left wondering if we will even have jobs.”The SHA is expected to take over NHIF’s responsibilities related to health insurance coverage for Kenyans.
However, questions remain about how many current NHIF employees will be integrated into this new structure. The Ministry of Health has stated that those not onboarded into SHA after the assessment will be deployed to other public institutions.Labor unions representing NHIF employees are advocating for transparency throughout this process.
They emphasize that workers deserve clear communication regarding their employment status during such significant organizational changes. “Workers should not be left in limbo while decisions are made behind closed doors,” stated a union representative advocating for NHIF staff rights.As employees await news about their future roles within SHA over the next six months, they remain hopeful that their contributions will be recognized in any new structure established by the government. The
SHA’s Acting CEO, Robert Ingasira, confirmed that employees will continue working with the authority during this transitional period.In an internal memo dated November 19, Ingasira instructed NHIF employees to bring their IDs and job cards for further information.
This communication aims to clarify the transition process and provide updates on individual employment statuses.While some staff members have been assured of integration into SHA, others fear they may lose their jobs entirely. Employees on contract could see their engagement terminated if they fail to secure positions within the new authority.The uncertainty surrounding employment status has caused anxiety among NHIF staff members who are concerned about losing their jobs amid this transition period.
Many have expressed fears about how this change will affect their livelihoods and families.In conclusion, over 1,700 NHIF employees face uncertainty as they await communication regarding their future roles within SHA following recent contract lapses amid ongoing transitions aimed at improving healthcare delivery systems across Kenya.
