SHA deploys NHIF staff despite court ban -

By Daisy Okiring | Nairobi, Kenya | June 18, 2025

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has ignited controversy after Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi issued deployment letters to former NHIF employees, seemingly in defiance of a court order suspending hiring.

On June 10, the Public Service Commission (PSC) dispatched 215 letters to former NHIF staff seconded to SHA after the NHIF’s repeal in November 2023. Reports suggest another 400 letters are forthcoming. The letters, signed by Dr Mwangangi, directed recipients to report to reassigned roles—from the Ministry of Culture to PSC—even as their salary structures were slashed without prior consultation.

A section reads: “This marks the end of your assignment with SHA… effective June 11, 2025,” referencing the deployment framework under the Social Health Insurance Act. Employees are instructed to clear pending leave, hand over assets, and report to new duty stations. Terms and conditions will be governed by Public Service Human Resource Policies.

Sources told The Standard that some deployed staff have already reported without receiving official letters. Former NHIF employees argue the directive flouts a judicial ruling requiring SHA roles to be advertised publicly before appointment. The court injunction aimed to prevent exclusive hiring of these staff members, citing potential contempt of court.

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Critics argue the move undermines due process and the court’s authority, with concerns mounting over employee rights, transparency, and state HR procedures. Dr Mwangangi has declined comment, stating that the matter is before the courts, while SHA chairperson Dr Abdi Mohammed has also been unresponsive to media requests.

Affected staff face bleak prospects: lower salaries, potential relocations, and anxiety over legal protections. The PSC’s involvement raises questions about inter-agency coordination and who bears responsibility if court directives are ignored.

As the judicial process unfolds, both employees and the public await clarification. Will the court uphold its injunction? Might SHA halt deployments pending formal procedures? And what safeguards exist to protect the rights of public servants in transition?