SHA vows transparent recruitment after court nullified previous hiring process
By Ascah Mwango, September 26, 2025The Social Health Authority (SHA) has pledged to ensure fairness and transparency in its ongoing recruitment drive after a court nullified its earlier hiring exercise, citing unfair practices.
In a statement released on Friday, September 26, 2025, SHA assured Kenyans that the ongoing recruitment is being conducted in full compliance with the law and human resource guidelines.
“The Social Health Authority (SHA) was established under the Social Health Insurance Act to manage and oversee the implementation of three key funds: the Primary Health Care Fund (PHC), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF),” the statement read in part.
Adding;
“The Act provides clear guidance to the SHA Board on the recruitment of its staff. The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA began on 1st October 2024 with the launch of the TaifaCare system. We thank the thousands of Kenyans who have expressed their willingness to be part of this national reform agenda by applying for various positions. We also extend our gratitude to the staff of the former NHIF, whose support during this transition has been invaluable.”
SHA said the current recruitment exercise, which started on July 29, 2025, was rolled out after the Employment and Labour Relations Court nullified an earlier internal hiring process.
The authority noted that the process is being carried out meticulously and transparently, in line with the approved Human Resource and Career Guidelines.
SHA said its focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
The authority urged the media to report accurately and responsibly on the recruitment to keep the public well-informed and asked Kenyans for patience and support as it works to assemble a competent team to drive the universal health coverage reforms.
“Our focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans. We encourage members of the media to uphold accuracy and responsibility in their reporting to keep the public well-informed on this important national exercise. We appreciate the public’s patience and support as we build a strong and effective team to advance universal health coverage for all Kenyans.”
The new recruitment drive comes after the Employment and Labour Relations Court in May 2025 ordered SHA to halt its earlier hiring exercise, which had given priority to former NHIF staff.
The court ruled that the approach was discriminatory and directed the authority to open the vacancies to all qualified Kenyans.
SHA has since advertised a range of senior and technical positions, including Principal Human Resource and Development Officer, Principal Provider Management Officer, Principal Benefits Management Officer, and Principal Internal Auditor. The application window for these roles closes on October 3, 2025.