The High Court has thrown a wrench into the troubled Social Health Authority’s (SHA) plans to fill several top-tier positions after the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) successfully secured a conservatory order blocking the hiring process.

Justice Lawrence N. Mugambi of the Milimani Law Courts issued the order on Monday, effectively freezing the recruitment of key roles, including assistant director of county coordination, director of benefits management, and multiple principal officers. 

The Judge directed that KUCO’s petition and supporting documents be served to SHA by close of business today, with responses due within three days.

The move comes after KUCO challenged the legality of the hiring process, accusing SHA of sidelining due process. George Gibore, the union’s Secretary-General, argued that the recruitment lacked transparency and fairness.

The court’s order bars SHA, its employees, and agents from proceeding with the recruitment until the case is heard and determined. 

The disputed positions are critical in managing SHA’s county coordination and beneficiary services, raising concerns over who gets to steer the authority’s operations.