The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced 212 job vacancies across various administrative, technical, and support cadres as it moves to fully operationalize Kenya's new universal health insurance framework. The recruitment drive was publicized in the government newspaper MyGov on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with a submission deadline set for Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

This hiring initiative is a critical step in staffing the new authority, which was established under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 to replace the long-standing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The SHA is tasked with administering three key funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, which together form the foundation of the government's universal health coverage (UHC) agenda.

The advertised positions include roles such as drivers, office administrators, legal officers, finance and accounts officers, claims management officers, and ICT specialists, among others. According to the public notice, interested and qualified Kenyans can submit their applications, along with necessary academic, professional, and compliance documents, either online through the SHA's recruitment portal or by physical delivery to its Nairobi offices.

Transition and Staffing Controversies

The establishment of the SHA marks a significant policy shift in Kenya's approach to healthcare financing, aiming to provide equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents. The Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which came into effect on November 22, 2023, repealed the NHIF Act of 1998 and mandated the winding up of the NHIF within a year. The full transition became operational on October 1, 2024, when the iconic NHIF building in Nairobi was officially rebranded to SHA.

However, the transition has not been without challenges, particularly concerning the fate of former NHIF employees. The Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers (KUCFAW) has recently raised concerns, alleging that the ongoing SHA recruitment process is deliberately sidelining experienced staff from the defunct NHIF. The union claims this contravenes the Social Health Insurance Act, which stipulates that former NHIF employees should be given priority consideration. KUCFAW has threatened legal action if the SHA board does not address these concerns, warning that overlooking the existing skilled workforce could jeopardize the continuity and efficiency of health insurance services during this critical implementation phase.

Implications for Universal Health Coverage

This recruitment is a major component of the government's strategy to build the institutional capacity required to successfully deliver on its UHC promise. The roles being filled are essential for the day-to-day operations of the new health scheme, from managing beneficiary registrations and compliance to processing provider claims and managing the vast financial resources entrusted to the authority.

Under the new system, every household is required to register and contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund. Salaried individuals will contribute 2.75% of their gross monthly salary, while non-salaried households will contribute a similar percentage of their income as determined by a means-testing instrument, with a minimum contribution of KSh 300 per month. The success of this ambitious reform hinges on the SHA's ability to efficiently manage these contributions and strategically purchase healthcare services for millions of Kenyans. The hiring of qualified and experienced professionals is therefore paramount to building public trust and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fund.

The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM EAT on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The authority has emphasized its search for visionary and result-driven professionals to help steer the nation's transformative health agenda.