SHA resumes hiring after court declares previous process unconstitutional

SHA resumes hiring after court declares previous process unconstitutional

The court prohibited SHA from proceeding with the March 2025 recruitment and ordered that all positions be re-advertised competitively and openly.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has resumed recruitment for several positions following the nullification of an earlier internal process by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

The court ruled that SHA’s decision to limit applications to former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) staff was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Justice Byram Ongaya, delivering the ruling on a petition filed by public interest litigant Said Omar Abdile, found that the recruitment violated constitutional provisions on fair labour practices, equality, and transparency.

The court prohibited SHA from proceeding with the March 2025 recruitment and ordered that all positions be re-advertised competitively and openly.

The contested recruitment targeted senior roles, including Directors, County Coordinators, Quality Assurance Officers, and Principal Officers for county and beneficiary management positions. Said argued that restricting the process to former NHIF staff excluded qualified candidates and undermined inclusivity.

SHA, in its statement, thanked the thousands of Kenyans who applied for positions and expressed gratitude to former NHIF staff for their support during the transition.

"The transition from the NHIF to SHA began on October 1, 2024, with the launch of the TaifaCare system. We thank the thousands of Kenyans who have expressed their willingness to be part of this national reform agenda by applying for various positions," the authority said.

"We also extend our gratitude to the staff of the former NHIF, whose support during this transition has been invaluable."

The authority emphasised that the current recruitment, which began on July 29, 2025, is being conducted meticulously, transparently, and in strict adherence to approved Human Resource and Career Guidelines, ensuring that qualified candidates are selected.

"Our focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans, SHA stated."

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