Ruto: Former NHIF employees will be absorbed into new Social Health Authority

President William Ruto has assured that employees of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will not lose their jobs during the transition to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).

The reassurance comes as concerns rise over potential job losses as SHA plans to recruit new personnel.

Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Sunday, Ruto stated that his administration is committed to facilitating the seamless transition of all former NHIF employees to the SHA. He expressed gratitude for their dedicated service amid the ongoing changes.

“We will make sure everyone who has served in NHIF is transitioned into SHIF. I am aware that during this transition period, employees of the former NHIF will be managed in accordance with the provisions of the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023. I want to assure them that no one will lose their jobs, and I appreciate their dedication and service during this transition,” Ruto said.

The President also expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the new health scheme, emphasising that it will play a crucial role in achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.

Ruto highlighted that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will fundamentally enhance healthcare delivery, allowing all Kenyans access to preventive and curative services.

"Through  SHIF, citizens will contribute and access comprehensive healthcare benefits. The value for money in this scheme will be undeniable once the migration from the NHIF is completed and the fund is fully operational,” he added.

He further outlined the government’s strategic measures aimed at extending the impact of Universal Health Coverage. These include developing the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and medical supplies industries and improving the healthcare supply chain.

He announced the establishment of Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) regional distribution centres in Kisumu, Embakasi, and Mombasa to enhance healthcare delivery.

As of early October, Ruto reported that 12.9 million Kenyans have registered with SHA. He noted that all public health institutions and 50 per cent of private facilities have enrolled to provide services under the new scheme.

"We urge private hospitals to expedite the contracting process to enable us to complete the final phase of the Universal Health Coverage rollout," he said.

Further, Ruto confirmed that Sh3 billion has been allocated to settle outstanding payments to service providers.

In a recent interview, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai indicated that NHIF staff would need to re-apply for positions under SHA, where they would undergo a vetting process.

He noted that while NHIF previously employed 1,743 staff members, SHA currently has 485 interim employees, most of whom were former NHIF workers.

“We are still populating. The current NHIF staff shall, upon application and vetting process, be transitioned to SHA,” Kimtai said.