The Kenyan government has extended the Civil Servants Medical Insurance Scheme, CMIS, up to 21st November 2024, after protests by public sector unions and an impending strike. This comes after the expiration of the contract managed by the National Health Insurance Fund, NHIF, on 30th September 2024.
Public sector unions had served a strike notice of 14 days over a raft of unresolved issues. Among those key grievances were the transition to SHA from NHIF when comprehensive health cover was not yet available, failure to incorporate NHIF employees into the new SHA system, and a suggested increase in insurance contributions to 2.75% of gross salary without corresponding improvement in benefits.
Ministry Response and Extension
The Ministry of Public Service, in a statement, has extended the existing medical scheme in order to give ample time for smooth transition and heed the demands of the union. It said, "This decision will ensure that civil servants continue to enjoy medical services without disruption, as the government proceeds to negotiate and plan a permanent solution.".
After the expiry of the extension of the Civil Servants Medical Insurance Scheme on September 30, 2024, the State Department for Public Service and Social Health Authority agreed to the extension of the contract up to November 21, 2024," the statement by the Ministry read. The extension, the Ministry has assured, is intended to ensure smooth transition and effective delivery of service to all beneficiaries of the scheme.
SHA also insisted that service providers must guarantee, without a break, medical coverage for all civil servants during this extended period.
Social Health Authority Transition
The move from NHIF to SHA has been faced by many questions, especially with the demonstrations of lack of clarity on the benefits of this new cover. Union representatives are claiming that this move is not well managed, and despite the increased cost in contribution, there is no assurance that the services will be improved. Civil servants are wary of losing out on benefits under the SHA system, especially in the exclusion of NHIF employees in the transition process.
The Ministry has allayed these fears and assured the civil servants of ensuring mechanisms are in place to continue the medical services beyond the extension period. It further assured that everything is being put in place to ensure SHA adequately serves the public sector employees and the shift is beneficial to all stakeholders involved.
Background of the Medical Insurance Scheme
This involves a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for civil servants, the administration of which is with NHIF, catering for employees of the national government, officers seconded to county governments, and staff of the National Youth Service. The scheme for the Financial Year 2023-24 was valid from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024 and further extended for a period of three months up to September 30, 2024.
That the government decided to further extend the scheme reflects its desire to address union concerns and prevent the possible disruption of essential public services through a strike.