Former employees of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) have officially transitioned to the new Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA), which oversees the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), popularly known as Taifa Care.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced on Tuesday that the ex-NHIF staff will serve with SHA for six months during which they will undergo suitability assessments and interviews for permanent onboarding.
“Staff not retained will be redeployed to other government institutions as outlined in the transitional clauses during the shift to SHA,” Mwaura said.
The fate of more than 1,700 NHIF employees had been uncertain following the October 1 transition from NHIF to SHA. However, Mwaura’s statement now provides assurance that their livelihoods are safeguarded.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa stated on Monday that substantial progress has been made in implementing SHIF, rebranded as Taifa Care.
During a meeting with faith-based healthcare stakeholders, Barasa revealed that 8,336 healthcare facilities have been contracted to provide services under Taifa Care. These include 5,210 government-owned facilities, 319 faith-based hospitals, and 2,807 private facilities.
As part of the formalization process, the government released Ksh 3.7 billion on Tuesday to settle pending bills owed to healthcare providers across the country. This includes Ksh 1.4 billion in claims accrued under the defunct NHIF.
Leaders of faith-based healthcare facilities have given the government until March 2025 to clear all debts owed to their institutions through NHIF and SHA. The government owes these facilities Ksh 4 billion but has so far paid Ksh 938 million.
Mwaura reiterated the government’s commitment to settling these claims and ensuring timely payments to healthcare providers.
He disclosed that of the Ksh 3.7 billion released, Ksh 1.1 billion will go to the Linda Mama program, while Ksh 1.35 billion will be allocated to clearing SHA capitation payments. This move aligns with President William Ruto’s recent pledge during the State of the Nation address.
“We assure the public, healthcare providers, and all stakeholders that SHA will also clear October 2024 claims this week and will continue processing NHIF claims,” Mwaura said.
