Public health sector unions have called off a looming strike called to oppose the transition from NHIF to the Social Health Authority following an agreement with the government.

Union representatives signed the agreement Wednesday afternoon with Public Service CS Justin Muturi, Labour CS Alfred Mutua and their health counterpart Deborah Barasa.

“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.

He said health was key to members of the joint unions and indicated they were expecting the best from the new health scheme after challenges were experienced during the rollout.

They had in their 14-day strike notice issued on October 8 opposed the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA without provision of a comprehensive cover for public servants.

They also cited unclear fate of NHIF employees and increased contributions to 2.75 per cent of gross salary without any improved benefits for their members.

The government and the unions have now resolved that the Ministry of Public Service will extend the comprehensive medical insurance scheme for public servants until November 21, 2024, through SHA, the entity that has taken over all obligations of the defunct NHIF.

“In addition, there shall be seamless access to the benefits by all public servants beyond November 21, 2024,” the agreement states.

The pact also provides for the formation of an ad-hoc working committee to ensure a seamless transition of staff of the defunct NHIF in tandem with the tenets of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, Employment Act, 2007, Labour Relations Act, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.

“Conscious of ensuring that there are no job losses and benefits accrued to the staff of the defunct NHIF, the parties shall endeavour to undertake this process in good faith and suspend any actions including legal processes,” the agreement reads.

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.”

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.”

Health CS Barasa assured Kenyans that the government was committed to the provision of affordable, efficient and accessible healthcare to all under SHA, pointing 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 and Allied Workers Union, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers Union (KUCFAW) and the Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dieticians (KUNAD).

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS), Kenya Environment Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPPU), Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU), Kenya National Union Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) also signed the document.