The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which is set to be launched on Friday, March 7, marks a significant milestone in achieving universal healthcare coverage in Kenya.
The government requires all workers including those in the informal sector to pay for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a new social health authority set to phase out National Health Insurance Fund.
SHIF, to be launched on Friday, March 7, aims at benefiting ordinary citizens, and will involve a deduction of 2.75 percent from individuals’ income to finance it.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced the commencement of its registration process after the finalization of regulations, which are currently at the Office of the Attorney General.
Speaking in Kisumu on Wednesday, March 6, CS Nakhumicha assured Kenyans that the implementation of the fund would begin immediately after the gazettement of the regulations.
She emphasized that within 90 days of operationalization, every Kenyan must register as a member so as to benefit from the universal health program.
“It is no longer a story,” she said during a town hall meeting in Kisumu. “The government has put in mechanisms to ensure all Kenyans are included in the new Social Health Insurance Fund model”
The CS further noted that mechanisms had been put in place to accommodate individuals from different social classes. She outlined a subsidy program that would cover the Sh300 minimum premiums for those unable to pay, ensuring that no one would be left behind.
She emphasized that the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF would benefit ordinary citizens, with everyone contributing to the Social Health Authority.
CS Nakhumicha said individuals in the informal sector would be required to pay for their insurance at the point of interacting with a government service.
“For the informal sector, we have implemented a mechanism where individuals pay their annual premium,” she explained.
The CS added that there are provisions for borrowing from government-run funds (such as Hustler Fund) or Saccos for those with unstable income patterns, ensuring flexibility in payment.
She urged Kenyans to embrace the new health insurance model, emphasizing the importance of timely payment for their health benefits.
As the government prepares to roll out SHIF, Kenyans are encouraged to register and participate actively in shaping the future of healthcare in the country.
The launch of SHIF signifies a transformative era in Kenya’s healthcare system, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens.
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