Relief for Civil Servants as Govt Releases Billions for Medical Cover

The government has disbursed Ksh4 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to cater for civil servants’ medical cover, bringing relief after weeks of uncertainty over the availability of funds.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku made the announcement on Sunday while attending a service at the ACK Cathedral of St Peter’s, Mbeere, in Siakago. He revealed that the funds had been released on Friday to resolve a standoff that had threatened access to healthcare for thousands of public officers.
“The government has released Ksh4 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to cater for public servants’ medical cover,” Ruku said.
His announcement was echoed by SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi, who confirmed receipt of the funds from the ministry.
The disbursement marks a turning point in a row that had sparked anxiety among civil servants, some of whom feared they would be locked out of hospitals due to delayed remittances.
SHA had reportedly faced pressure from health facilities demanding payment before offeringservices to members under the scheme.
The news comes barely a month after CS Ruku dismissed reports claiming the Authority planned to block civil servants from accessing healthcare. At the time, he termed the claims misleading and aimed at triggering unnecessary panic.
Ruku, while dismissing reports that the SHA system was ineffective, affirmed that the government would ensure that all civil servants, together with their families, continue receiving health services from contracted facilities across the country.
Last week, SHA CEO Mwangangi cautioned employers that they risk penalties if they fail to remit their monthly deductions by September 9, 2025.
In a notice issued on Friday, September 5, Mwangangi stressed that timely remittances are crucial to guarantee uninterrupted health coverage for beneficiaries.
For teachers, the existing medical cover arrangement between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and a local insurance provider is set to lapse, with the government directing educators to transition to the SHA scheme.
Members of Parliament from the Departmental Committee on Education have already proposed introducing a premium SHA package tailored for all teachers under TSC. During a session with the commission on September 4, Baringo North MP Joseph Sakilap tabled the proposal,citing growing uncertainty over the future of teachers’ medical insurance.