Public sector unions have called off their planned strike regarding the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) after reaching an agreement with the government.
The unions issued a 14-day strike notice on October 8, 2024, expressing concerns over the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the SHA, particularly due to the absence of a comprehensive coverage plan for public servants.
The unions reached this decision after their representatives signed the agreement on Wednesday with Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi (Public Service), Alfred Mutua (Labour), and Debra Barasa (Health) at Harambee House in Nairobi.
Kenya Civil Servants Union Secretary-General Tom Odege reiterated the unions’ hesitance to initiate the strike action, noting that their goal was to prompt the government to address their concerns.
“It is not in our interest to call strikes, but we do so to make the employer respond to our concerns. The government has now responded, and we are therefore calling off the strike,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of health insurance for union members, noting their expectations for improved services under the new health scheme despite some challenges during the initial rollout.
In their strike notice, the unions raised multiple concerns, including the transition from NHIF to SHA without a comprehensive coverage plan, uncertainties regarding the future of NHIF employees, and an increase in monthly contributions to 2.75 per cent of gross salary without corresponding improvements in benefits.
As part of the agreement, the government committed to extending the comprehensive medical insurance scheme for public servants through SHA until November 21, 2024. The extension is in recognition of SHA taking over the obligations of the defunct NHIF.
“In addition, there shall be seamless access to the benefits by all public servants beyond November 21, 2024,” reads the agreement.
The pact also establishes an ad-hoc working committee to ensure a smooth transition for the staff of the defunct NHIF, in accordance with the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, Employment Act, 2007, Labour Relations Act, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
The agreement underscores the commitment to prevent any loss of jobs or benefits for NHIF staff, with all parties agreeing to undertake this process in good faith and to suspend any ongoing legal actions.
During the signing ceremony, CS Muturi expressed gratitude to the union leadership for their understanding. “We will work with everyone involved to ensure that all civil servants, who are entitled to a medical cover, receive seamless delivery of services.”
He urged the SHA management to address any challenges that arise during the transition from NHIF to maximise benefits for all Kenyans.
Labour CS Mutua stressed the necessity of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than strikes. He urged unions to formally declare disputes before initiating any strike action.
“I urge unions to declare a dispute before engaging in strike action. Matters can be better handled amicably. I will listen and will act as the intermediary between employers and employees,” he said.
Health CS Barasa reassured the public of the government’s commitment to providing affordable, efficient, and accessible healthcare through SHA, stressing efforts to ensure a smooth transition from NHIF.
