The ultimatum set for October 1, 2024, is in response to the slow uptake of the new health scheme, despite weeks of public sensitisation.
The government on Thursday, September 5 gave all civil servants a strict three-week timeline to register for the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The ultimatum set for October 1, 2024, is in response to the slow uptake of the new health scheme, despite weeks of public sensitisation.
This is as latest data by the government shows that 861,101 Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) as of September 3, 2024, which is 6 per cent of the 14 million citizens enrolled under the now-replaced National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Addressing the media, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that the Ministries of Energy and ICT will facilitate accessibility in terms of the process of registration for the new health insurance scheme with the Ministry of Education facilitating student registration.
Health CS Deborah Barasa during a meeting on August 23, 2024. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH
“All civil servants are expected to be registered by October 1, 2024, with the Ministries of Energy and Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy required to support power and internet connections to health facilities across the country.
“The Ministry of Education will support student registration, while the Ministry of the Interior will facilitate the rollout through its National Government Administrative Offices (NGAOS) network,” said Mwaura.
The statement from Mwaura also revealed that 9,792 health facilities, including 2,008 public and 7,784 private and faith-based institutions, are now accredited under the scheme.
Mwaura also said the draft contracts with healthcare providers have been finalized, and the government is now focused on public awareness and education regarding the transition from NHIF to SHA, with healthcare provider engagement to begin once tariffs are gazetted.
“The transition from NHIF to SHA is not just a name change,” Mwaura noted. “It comes with significant benefits, including full digitisation, biometric verification, an expanded benefits package, and reduced monthly premiums. Salaried employees will now contribute 2.75 per cent of their gross income, while those in informal sectors will contribute based on means testing.”
One of the standout features of SHIF is the government’s pledge to cover premiums for the poorest Kenyans, vulnerable groups, and those in custody. Mwaura clarified that “the government will shoulder the burden for those who cannot afford the premiums through social protection programmes.” This is expected to be a lifeline for overburdened households struggling with Kenya’s economic challenges.
Healthcare providers are also a key focus in the coming weeks. “Draft contracts with providers are finalised. Once tariffs are gazetted, we’ll engage healthcare providers fully to ensure a smooth transition,” Mwaura stated.
The SHA card, he added, will grant access to all health facilities, whether public, private, or faith-based.
Despite the benefits from SHIF, the government has a mountainous task on their hands to get Kenyans to register for the scheme, which was initially declared unconstitutional by the High Court on July 12. However, the court decision was suspended for 45 days following intervention from the Attorney General’s office.
Previously, the Education Ministry mandated all parents to ensure that their school-going children were registered under SHIF before Monday, August 26 when schools reopened for the Third Term.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang on August 22 directed that all school-going children must be registered as dependents of their parents before the start of the new school term.
The new health coverage initiative was announced by President William Ruto on August 10, who outlined that all Kenyans would benefit from free healthcare through SHIF.
