Public sector unions call off strike over SHA after agreement with gov't

The planned strike called by public sector unions over the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been called off after an agreement was reached with the government.

The unions agreed to abandon the strike action after their representatives signed the agreement on Wednesday afternoon with Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service Justin Muturi, Labour CS Alfred Mutua and their Health counterpart Deborah Mlongo Barasa at Harambee House, Nairobi.

“It is not in our interest to call strikes, but we do so to make the employer respond to our concerns and the government has responded and we are therefore calling off the strike,” Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) Secretary General Tom Odege said after signing the pact.

Among issues raised in the 14-day strike notice on October 8, 2024, was transition from NHIF to SHA without provision of a comprehensive cover for public servants, the unclear fate of NHIF employees and increased contributions to 2.75pc of gross salary without any improved benefits for their members.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CS Muturi thanked the leadership of the unions for their understanding and input which led to Wednesday’s agreement.

“We will work with everyone involved to ensure all civil servants who are entitled to a medical cover receive seamless delivery of services,” said CS Muturi.

He urged the management of SHA to address any challenges experienced during the transition from NHIF to ensure that all Kenyans benefit from the new health scheme.

Labour CS Mutua called for an end to what he termed “a cycle of confrontation” every time there was a dispute.

“Before calling a strike I urge unions to declare a dispute before engaging in strikes.  Matters can be better handled amicably.  I will listen and will act as the intermediary between employers and employees,” said Dr Mutua.

Health CS Barasa assured Kenyans that the government was committed to the provision of affordable, efficient, and accessible health care to all under SHA, and pointed out that everything was being done to ensure a smooth transition from NHIF.

The agreement was also signed by the SHA Chairperson Mohamed Abdi and representatives from the Kenya Electrical Trades & Allied Workers Union, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers Union (KUCFAW), the Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD), and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) among others.