National Treasury: Sh1.05b for injured civil servants not yet released

The National Treasury is yet to release Sh1.05 billion to pay 610 civil servants suffering from work-related injuries.

A report tabled before the Labour and Social Welfare Committee by the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKSC) shows that some compensation dates back to 10 years.

The report said the workers presented the claims in line with provisions of the Workers Injury Benefit Act, 2007, administered by the Director of Occupational Safety Services in the Ministry of Labour, which covers civil servants, apart from members of the armed force.

In the report, the Ministry of Interior is leading with the highest number of claims at Sh456 million that is owed to 300 officers.

The Ministry of Health is second with 98 health workers claiming Sh302.5 million and the National Police Service 60 employees claiming Sh96 million.

Fourteen workers operating in President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto’s offices are seeking Sh13.2 million and Sh2 million respectively.

The Education Ministry and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employees are demanding Sh40.2 million in compensation while in the Transport Ministry, 10 staff members are demanding Sh24.8 million.

The Agriculture ministry, on the other hand, has affected workers largely extension officers who are demanding Sh24 million as claims for injuries.

Treasury, which is holding the funds, also has staff members demanding Sh15.7 million as compensation, Defence ministry  (Sh3.45 million), Environment (Sh2.7 million) and Mining (Sh1.1 million).

Forensic audit

UKSC deputy secretary general Jerry ole Kina, who presented the document, asked the Ali Wario-led committee to issue a directive to have the claims cleared.

Their move follows a decision in 2017, between the National Treasury and National Hospital Insurance Fund to ensure that the Group Personal Accident Cover (GPA) and Work Injury Benefit Act, 2007 is implemented.

In addition, UKSC wants a forensic audit of the funds set aside for the cover, for the past three years, be done considering that claims have not been paid in the entire period.

“Proper structures and guidelines are put in place on claims reporting in the event that the civil servants insurance covers operating framework has been abandoned,” said Kina

Wario said the committee will call entities involved in the matter to ensure they get to the bottom of the matter and that workers are protected.

Nominated MP David ole Sankok wondered why the Interior ministry had the highest number of those seeking compensation.