Union Calls Off Strike as Government and Public Sector Unions Sign MoU Over new Health Insurance Concerns

In a decisive response to concerns raised over the Social Health Insurance, (transition from NHIF to SHA), Cabinet Secretaries Hon. J.B. Muturi (Public Service and Human Capital Development), Dr. Alfred Mutua (Labour), and Dr. Deborah Barasa (Health) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with public sector unions today. The agreement followed an industrial action notice issued on October 8, 2024, regarding the absence of enhanced benefits in the health insurance schemes.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua urged unions to avoid strikes as a first response to disputes. He encouraged unions to declare disputes and pursue amicable resolutions before resorting to industrial action. Mutua emphasized his role as an intermediary between employers and employees, assuring unions that their concerns would be heard and addressed.

Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa reassured Kenyans of the government's commitment to providing affordable, efficient, and accessible healthcare under the new Social Health Insurance (SHA) scheme. She emphasized that efforts were being made to ensure a smooth transition from the NHIF to SHA.

Hon Justin Muturi  CS, Public Service  said a joint Technical Standing Committee was formed to address the health insurance concerns raised  culminating in signing of MoU. Speaking to the media, Hon. Justin B. Muturi said an ad hoc working committee will be formed to review regulations with a view of retaining the schemes' status quo. CS also thanked the Union for their understanding and the collaborative efforts that led to signing of the MoU. He urged the Social Health Authority (SHA) to address the challenges and ensure seamless transition of services to civil servants.

Addressing the media after signing the MoU, Secretary General, Union of Kenya Civil Servants Hon. Tom Odeke  called off the planned strike. He praised the collaboration between the government and unions, noting that the government had acknowledged the concerns raised. Hon Odege emphasized the importance of the insurance to union members, who expect improved services from the new health scheme despite challenges faced during its rollout.