Broken promises as administrative delays leave civil servants without health benefits
Top union leaders say delays in transferring deducted funds have led to a gap in the healthcare plan that was agreed upon back in 2013.
In a strong call for change, public sector unions are warning that civil servants and their families are being left without the promised medical cover.
Top union leaders say delays in transferring deducted funds have led to a gap in the healthcare plan that was agreed upon back in 2013.
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Dr. Davji Atellah of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and Tom Odege from the Union of Kenya Civil Servants released a joint statement on Friday explaining that many workers now face problems accessing medical services.
They explained that civil servants had given up their regular allowances in favour of a comprehensive plan under the Social Health Authority.
“We expect swift and decisive action to address these urgent concerns. We will not allow our members to suffer due to administrative failures, this is a government-to-government matter, and it must be resolved immediately,” read the statement in part.
The unions detailed that persistent delays and issues have weakened the original agreement.
“However, persistent inefficiencies continue to undermine this agreement, necessitating immediate intervention. The delay in accessing medical services is due to systemic inefficiencies,” they added.
The unions also pointed out a key problem that the government deducts the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and medical allowances from civil servants’ salaries but fails to remit the funds to SHA for the provision of comprehensive medical cover.
“These deducted funds must be remitted in a timely manner, as failure to do so by the 9th of each month results in the Social Health Authority (SHA) automatically halting the provision of this service,” the unions noted.
Emphasising their commitment to the rights of civil servants, the unions declared that they will not remain passive while their right to healthcare is compromised.
“Civil servants have upheld their commitment by making regular contributions, it is the employer’s responsibility to fulfill its obligations without fail,” the unions noted.
They warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, mega demonstrations planned for March 18, 2025, will go ahead.
“Given that all our members are currently unable to access medical cover, our planned mega demonstrations on March 18 remain in effect. We expect swift and decisive action to address these urgent concerns.”
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