Kenyans will start contributing 2.75 percent of their gross salary to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) set to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in July.
Speaking during a national validation exercise at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Monday, February 26, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha said the fresh registration exercise will start from the first week of March and end in June.
Nakhumicha urged Kenyans to embrace the new scheme so they can start to enjoy health benefits in the fund in the 2024–25 financial year.
The CS also said the government is implementing the SHIF to help stem corruption witnessed during payments of health care services through the NHIF.
“This will go on up to June and thereafter; we intend to begin payment contributions at a rate of 2.75 per cent with a minimum payment of Sh300,” she said. “All stakeholders involved have been consulted and thus the document will be presented to the Attorney General for gazettement will be inclusive.”
Under the SHIF, payslip workers earning Sh100,000 will pay Sh2,750, up from Sh1,700, which is a 62 per cent rise. Workers on Sh500,000 salary will part with Sh13,750 as deductions towards the expanded health cover.
She also explained that the ministry is committed to working with county governments in the implementation of SHIF.
“Our hope is that access to these benefits will start in the month of July,” she said.
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