Written by Following the new authority’s takeover of management, the incumbent staff’s jobs at the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are uncertain.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) will start anew, including hiring workers, according to Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
Ms. Nakhumicha has given Dr. Timothy Olweny, chairperson of the SHA, two months to put in place the necessary frameworks to lead the hiring process.
She indicated that the structures will decide on the job security of the current staff.
A new instance is being initiated. There is a lot of work for the six board members and chair of the Social Health Authority (SHA) right now, according to Ms. Nakhumicha.
The CS made her remarks during a gathering of NHIF staff that included the recently inaugurated SHA board, the NHIF board, and senior NHIF management.
“I anticipate that you will provide me with a framework in the coming months that will enable me to address numerous inquiries about the certainty of employment,” Nakhumicha stated.
At a meeting when workers voiced concerns about their employment stability, Nakhumicha stated that the responsibility lies with the SHA board.
“Our desire to avoid a protracted period of uncertainty does not rest with you. Could you please tell us the name of the construction and how it is arranged? However, you are fully aware that the act has specified what is going to happen in addition to appropriate structures,” Nakhumicha remarked.
She mentioned that the personnel will be evaluated for suitability and will be moved to the SHA-set structures if they meet the requirements.
Employees also have the opportunity to retire early, with the process coordinated by a group including representatives from the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the NHIF.
The third choice is to have the worker assimilated into another government agency.
Workers at the NHIF who wish to transfer to other government agencies would keep their current salaries, according to Nakhumicha’s stance.
“A suitability test is going to be conducted. Some of you, whom I know on a personal basis, are really talented.” According to the CS, this means they will pass the necessary tests to transfer.
“So for those who we choose to accept, I imagine you’re curious about the package before you commit to it,” she continued.
“Changing careers to work for the government in different capacities is an option. I want you to keep doing what you’re doing. You can choose that option. “The option is available for those who may want to move earlier,” the CS stated.
To make sure the employment structures are in place, the State Corporation Advisory Committee is expected to collaborate with the SHA board chairperson.
“SCAC classifies NHIF, albeit we don’t yet know what category it falls under; salary and other benefits are also dependent on this classification. So, until that occurs, we will not know how to make ourselves appear for those domains to acquire that,” Nakhumicha stated.
The SHA board will also standardize NHIF employee pay.
In addition, Nakhumicha reassured Kenyans that the transfer from NHIF to SHA will be seamless, citing the country’s history of successful transitions.
The fund’s workers were cautioned by her not to hinder the changeover, nevertheless. “Do not disrupt the process, otherwise we will not be able to guarantee a smooth transition,” Nakhumicha said.
We shouldn’t be anxious because transitions like these have happened before. Everything will be fine. How about you both pitch in? I’ll do what I can.
On the part of NHIF CEO Elijah Wachira, he pledged a seamless transfer and praised the staff for their dedication to the job.
“The group’s dedication to our clientele is commendable. And every single time I’ve gone to the workplace before 7 o’clock in the morning, I’ve found someone there,” Wachira remarked.
Dr. Olweny reassured Kenyans that they will continue to receive high-quality care throughout the transition.
“We need to keep in mind that there are members that are counting on us for assistance. It is normal to feel anxious when faced with change. The key is how we handle change, not whether we should accept it, ” Olweny remarked.
Those in charge, he said, should give excellent service and make the changeover go off without a hitch.
Engineer Michael Kamau, who is currently chair of the NHIF board, urged staff to maintain their previous level of commitment to helping Kenyans.
Remembering that we are serving the people of Kenya requires constant vigilance. In the meanwhile, keep your head up; I, as chairman, may be the next person to end up in the hospital.
“An individual’s parents, child, or sibling could be the next patient to visit the hospital, and they could not make it. No matter what happens, you have to focus on your job.” Said Engineer Michael Kamau.
In addition, Kamau emphasized that the new leadership at NHIF is committed to providing excellent service and would allow the Kenya Kwanza administration to establish Universal Health Coverage (UHC) so that all Kenyans may afford medical treatment.
“No interruption to service is what we are aiming for during the shift. The Sh500 is out of reach for some of my neighbors. When we move forward as a team, we must not lose sight of the ball,” Kamau pointed out.