Today's Headlines
- Lessons and Implications of the Confirmation of Charges Against Kenya's 'Ocampo Four'
- Finance Minister Quits Over ICC Charges
- Shortage of HIV Test Kits Raises Concerns
- Living On the Edge in Turkana Region
- Ali Breaks Silence, Describes Delight At Acquittal
- Uhuru, Ruto Eligible for Presidency - CIC
- Tea Sector Posts Record Earnings in 2011
- Resettle IDPs, Urges Annan
- Uhuru, Muthaura Have Done the Right Thing
- All Displaced People Should Return Home
- Concern Raised As Parents Shun Schools in Poll Violence Hotspots
- Ruling On IEBC Hiring in February
- Country Working Towards Conditions Needed for Direct Flights to U.S.
- How ICC Claimed Kibaki's Lieutenants
- Geothermal Project to Receive Sh10 Billion Funding Boost
- Five Million to Get IDs Before Elections
- Speed Up Building Port
- Uhuru and Muthaura Did Well to Quit Posts
- A Full Plate Awaits Githae
- Clashes Continue in Moyale
- Baraza Case to Be Heard Monday
- Two Firms in Joint Venture to Drill for Oil Near Lodwar
- Exit Uhuru, Muthaura
- ICC Charges Hound Uhuru Out of Treasury
- Consumers Grow Despite Inflation
- Poor Relations Between Banks Blamed for Cash Shortages
- Fish Prices Up As Vegetable Supply Dwindles
- Consumers to Pay More for Milk and Bread As Prices Rise
- Kibaki Tasks Ex-Dar CJ to Lead Probe in Kenya
- Mombasa Port Cargo Congestion Forces Three-Month Fees Waiver
Sam Kiplagat
30 August 2010
Nairobi — The new National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) rates that were to come into effect on September 1 have been suspended, albeit temporarily.
In a ruling, Industrial Court judge James Rika said the suspension would last up to September 10, when a case filed by the Central Organisation Trade Unions (Cotu), will be heard.
The suspension was made after the court threw out an application by NHIF that sought the dismissal of Cotu's case on grounds that the Industrial Court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter.
In the ruling, Justice Rika said the Industrial Court had exclusive mandate to administer the Employment Act of 2007, the Labour Relations Act of 2007 and the Labour Institutions Act 2007.
"We are persuaded the dispute filed herein involves employment issues falling under the Employment Act of 2007," said the court.
Cotu moved to court seeking the suspension of the rates to allow for consultation. The judge said it was therefore alright for the court to seize the matter and intervene if any of the tripartite partners had not lived up to its obligations.
In moving to court, Cotu accused NHIF of revising the rates without consulting its partners. The new rates were published on July 2 in a Kenya Gazette notice.
"We wish to advise employers and contributors that the rates take effect from September 1 to enable provision of outpatient care services from October 1," read the notice.
The new rules are pegged on one's monthly income and not a flat rate of Sh320 for all workers as was the case before.
Those earning above Sh100,000 a month will pay Sh2,000. the case will now proceed to full hearing beginning September 10.
