SHA Faces Backlash Over Employee Uncertainty on Salaries and Job Security
The Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) are under fire for their handling of employee concerns regarding salaries and job security amid the transition from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.
Former NHIF employees report a lack of clear communication on their employment status and future pay structure under the new health scheme. Many workers fear that their salaries may be significantly reduced, despite reassurances from SHA leadership.
“There are no clear answers about our future. We are told that no jobs will be lost, but nothing is guaranteed,” said one employee who requested anonymity.
Contradictions in Job Security Promises
Despite employee anxieties, SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohammed has been accused of ignoring concerns about salaries and job placements. An internal memo obtained by The Standard reveals that SHA has only 815 available positions, significantly fewer than NHIF’s previous 1,732 roles.
Mohammed has publicly stated that no permanent and pensionable employees will lose their jobs. However, the same memo clarifies that NHIF staff not absorbed by SHA will have to opt for early retirement or seek redeployment elsewhere in public service. Those reassigned to other government roles will not be eligible for SHA employment.
Salary Uncertainty Sparks Anxiety
Employees insist their primary concern is salary retention, an issue they claim has been deliberately avoided by SHA leadership. Many fear that transitioning to public service could come with drastic pay cuts, leaving them struggling to meet financial obligations such as loans and mortgages.
“We need a clear, written confirmation on whether we will receive the same salaries in public service as we did under NHIF,” an affected employee stated.
Sources indicate that salaries under SHA will now be strictly determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), unlike NHIF, which had more flexibility in setting pay scales. Some employees are expected to see salary reductions ranging from Sh80,000 to Sh100,000.
“If someone earning Sh200,000 is suddenly reduced to Sh60,000, isn’t that effectively a job loss?” a concerned staff member questioned.
Hiring Process Under Scrutiny
As SHA finalizes recruitment for key positions—including Chief Executive Officer, directors, deputy directors, and regional managers—there are growing allegations of an opaque hiring process. On February 10, members of the National Assembly Departmental Health Committee criticized the recruitment, accusing SHA leadership of unlawfully hand-picking individuals for top roles.
An internal memo dated November 20, 2024, revealed that at least 24 senior managers have already been appointed in acting capacities, raising further concerns about transparency and fairness in the hiring process.
Potential Legal Challenges Loom
Insiders warn that if the salary issue remains unresolved, affected employees may take legal action against SHA. One source noted that recommendations from the transition committee on handling staff concerns were largely ignored.
With only six weeks remaining before SHA’s full transition, tensions are mounting. Efforts by The Standard to obtain a response from SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohammed were unsuccessful. As frustration grows, employees remain in limbo, awaiting decisive action on their employment terms.
