Relief as Gov't assures NHIF workers of jobs at SHA

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has assured employees of the now defunct National Hospital and Insurance Fund (NHIF) that none of them will lose their jobs.

Speaking after an impromptu town hall with NHIF employees on Wednesday, Koskei said appraisals will be transparent and that those who will not transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) will be absorbed elsewhere in the government.

"The entire staff of SHA has not been filled and the people who will be given priority and who deserve first priority are the NHIF staff. That is the assurance we have given them," said Koskei.

The assurance comes at a time when many NHIF employees have expressed fears of losing their jobs. The majority of roles under SHA are heavily digital in nature, causing concerns among some employees.

Koskei however said appraisals will be conducted, and those who may not transition to SHA will be absorbed into other government positions.

"Those who perhaps don't manage to be onboarded will be deployed to other government institutions, ministries, parastatals and other agencies, so that at the end of the day the 100% ration retention will be assured," he stated.

Koskei also assured Kenyans that no one will be denied health services in the country, especially in hospitals and health facilities enrolled under the Social Health Authority.

He however went on to note that some facilities may offer services that are not necessarily prioritized under Universal Health Coverage, and certain facilities have not yet been contracted by SHA.

So far, over 13 million Kenyans have transitioned from NHIF to SHA, and many more are expected to do so in the coming weeks as the authority marks one month since the registration exercise began.

The transition from NHIF to SHA has however brought additional costs to employed citizens, but the government says it aims to ensure that all Kenyans can access health services under the Universal Health Care Programme.