By TWV Team
The chaotic dissolution of Kenya’s National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and its replacement with the Social Health Authority (SHA) has thrust former NHIF employees into a storm of uncertainty. Senators are demanding clarity, fairness, and accountability in absorbing staff into the new body after the NHIF’s disbandment left its employees facing an uncertain future.
In November 2024, the Public Service Commission (PSC) issued letters offering temporary six-month contracts, which expired on 22 May 2025. This has fuelled anxiety among staff, many of whom are seasoned public servants. Senators are pressing the SHA to absorb most of these workers, arguing that their experience is vital for the new authority’s success.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has been vocal, estimating that 95–99% of NHIF staff are honest and diligent. He insists on a thorough vetting process to root out those implicated in past scandals, such as approving fictitious claims, infamously, multiple leg amputations for a single individual. “We must protect honest workers while ensuring accountability,” Cheruiyot stressed, urging fairness in the transition.
Senator Boni Khalwale has led the charge, tasking the Senate Health Committee with probing SHA’s hiring plans. Key questions include how many staff will be retained, whether all recruits will come from the NHIF, and what happens to those not absorbed.
Other senators have echoed these concerns. Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda called for full absorption, highlighting the plight of young families affected by the uncertainty. She drew parallels with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, where staff issues led to a budget increase of over KSh 4 billion. Uasin Gishu’s Jackson Mandago slammed SHA’s poor communication, urging the Ministry of Health to redeploy NHIF staff to address shortages elsewhere. Narok’s Ledama Olekina demanded clarity on permanent absorption and transfer rights, while Tana River’s Danson Mungatana warned against bias in hiring, advocating for equity and regional balance.
The transition from NHIF to SHA is fraught with challenges. Senators are pushing for a delicate balance: safeguarding the livelihoods of honest workers while addressing past corruption. The SHA’s recruitment process must be transparent to maintain public trust, particularly in ensuring equitable regional representation. As the Senate Health Committee investigates, the fate of former NHIF employees hangs in the balance, with broader implications for Kenya’s public sector employment landscape.
The coming weeks will be critical as the SHA clarifies its plans. For now, the Senate’s scrutiny offers hope that fairness and accountability will prevail in this pivotal healthcare overhaul.
