This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
As we celebrate our Independence heroes, it's essential to acknowledge the unsung heroes who keep the machinery of State running – the civil servants.
Mr. Jerry S ole Kina, 1st Deputy Secretary-General of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants, shares his concerns about the challenges faced by civil servants, including inadequate medical cover and pay discrimination.
On October 25, 2019, The Standard reported on new benefits for teachers, including Sh750, 000 medical cover. However, Mr. ole Kina expressed disappointment with the lot of civil servants, stating that the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has denied them comprehensive medical cover since 2012.
He criticized the NHIF for limiting medical cover to optical, dental, and imaging services, and called for a 24-hour call centre for members to inquire and access services.
Mr. ole Kina also pointed out that retired civil servants are excluded from NHIF cover, despite being of an age where many have chronic conditions. He compared this to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which was said to have 'lost' Sh5.6 billion of retirees' money.
He emphasized the need for an experienced private administrator to manage medical covers effectively.
Furthermore, Mr. ole Kina expressed concerns about the government's recent 'affordable housing' policy, which imposed a housing levy on workers. He argued that the State should not tax its already poorly paid public servants to construct houses for the impoverished populace.
Lastly, he advocated for the centralization of HR functions for public servants at the national and county levels, citing delays in payments and blatant pay discrimination as reasons for urgency.
