NHIF employees have signed temporary transfer letters to the Social Health Authority (SHA). The Public Service Commission (PSC) facilitated the transfer. The move also affects 1,800 workers and lasts six months. During this time, SHA will recruit its permanent workforce.
Cotu opposes the transfer. It claims NHIF employees were also not PSC staff. Cotu argues they should join SHA under their current terms.
SHA Acting CEO Ibrahim Alio directed employees to sign the letters within seven days. PSC officials are supervising the exercise, which ends tomorrow. PSC CEO Paul Famba stated that NHIF employees’ permanent terms ended on November 21, 2024. The transition to SHA began on November 22. Workers can apply for SHA positions once advertised. Those nearing retirement will be compensated and released.
The transfer has caused anxiety among workers. Many fear losing their jobs due to unclear processes. Some suggest the government should have evaluated NHIF staff. They believe retirees and redundant roles should have been identified before the transition. The letters state that employees not retained by SHA will be handled under the SHA Act.
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli also criticized the process. He called PSC’s role irregular and misleading. He said SHA’s board did not approve the reapplication process. President William Ruto has assured employees they will not lose their jobs. However, many fear discrimination during recruitment.
The SHA transition marks also a major change in healthcare. Yet, it leaves many workers uncertain about their future.
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