The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has directed the Social Health Authority (SHA), the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSH) to reconcile their records regarding compensation claims lodged by police officers injured while on duty.

During a committee sitting held this Thursday, Senators expressed concern over the significant discrepancies in the figures submitted by the three institutions. They questioned how agencies mandated to handle similar aspects of police welfare could present conflicting data and insisted that they reach an agreed position.

“As a committee, we are directing the Social Health Authority, National Police Service Commission and Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services to have an engagement and submit a list that is concurrent with regards to claims,” stated the session Chair, Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi (Samburu).

The Committee emphasised its earlier ruling that police officers are considered to be on duty 24 hours a day, adding that SHA must not dismiss or defer any claim on the basis that an officer was allegedly off-duty at the time of injury. Senators warned that any attempt to use such an argument to deny officers their rightful compensation would not be tolerated.

In addition, the lawmakers declared unlawful any efforts to subject injured officers to a second medical assessment, reiterating that DOSH remains the sole legally mandated body to undertake such evaluations. They reminded the agencies present that the law does not allow parallel or duplicate assessments by other entities.

Earlier in the session, NPSC Chairperson Dr Amani Yuda Komora and Dr James Mithanga from DOSH urged the committee to ensure that SHA adheres to existing rulings and contractual obligations. Both officials accused the Authority of disregarding established procedures and agreements, further contributing to the inconsistencies witnessed.

Despite handling the same pool of cases, the NPSC and SHA presented contrasting numbers regarding claims settled so far. DOSH, on its part, indicated that it had not received any documentation confirming payment of claims.

SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi informed the Committee that the Authority had so far paid 1,567 claims valued at Ksh 1,269,723,694. She added that 432 claims had been declined, 129 were under dispute and 95 were pending due to incomplete documentation. Additionally, she reported that 155 claims were undergoing payment processing and 41 were under further review.

Dr Mwangangi assured Senators that SHA remained committed to ensuring all injured officers receive the benefits due to them, pledging to enhance collaboration with other institutions to address emerging challenges.

Three petitioners present at the meeting commended the Committee for its consistency and dedication to pursuing the matter. They appealed to Senators not to relent until all affected officers receive justice.

The Committee is scheduled to convene another session with SHA, NPSC, DOSH and Jubilee Insurance to review progress following the directives issued during Thursday’s meeting.