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President Ruto announces nationwide registration for SHIF

President William Ruto. (Photo: File)

By Bashir Mohammed | Saturday, March 16, 2024

According to Ruto, the registration drive will ensure every Kenyan's inclusion in accessing benefits under the new public healthcare system.

President William Ruto has announced plans by the State to conduct a nationwide registration exercise to onboard Kenyans into the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), including individuals previously enrolled in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Ruto announced on Saturday when he commissioned the tarmacking of the Kyogong—Kapkesosio— Sigor—Longisa Road in Chepalungu, Bomet County, highlighting that the Ministry of Health will lead the nationwide exercise.

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According to Ruto, the registration drive will ensure every Kenyan's inclusion in accessing benefits under the new public healthcare system.

"We are going to have universal health rolled out. The ministry will announce how you shall register afresh. We will ensure that Kenyans seeking healthcare are registered and able to access medical care," said President Ruto.

Ruto also asserted that the new health fund will guarantee that no Kenyan spends excessive amounts to access medical care, highlighting how low-income earners will contribute a minimum of Sh300 per month to the fund, with the state covering the costs for those who cannot afford it.

“We are sealing the loopholes to ensure that public funds under the programme are used to provide quality healthcare to Kenyans. We now have a law that establishes the Critical Illness Fund, which will be used to meet the cost of illnesses such as Cancer. No Kenyan will have to sell his property to pay medical bills,” said Ruto.

Ruto's call to action comes just two weeks after the SHIF deductions commenced on March 1.

Under the regulations, salaried Kenyans will pay 2.75 per cent of their gross salaries to the SHIF with the least amount payable being Sh300.

SHIF will provide Kenyans with access to healthcare and medical services, ranging from basic healthcare at local units to referrals and, in special circumstances, specialised medical care abroad.