Health

Kenyans to contribute 2.75 per cent to SHIF starting March 1

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha Wafula during a sensitisation campaign at Afya House in Nairobi. (Photo: X/ Wafula Nakhumicha)

By Amina Wako | Monday, February 12, 2024

Health CS Nakhumicha emphasised the government's commitment to supporting those who cannot afford the contributions.

Kenyans will start contributing 2.75 per cent of their pay to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) starting March 1, 2024.

The implementation of this scheme aims to ensure that the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups have access to free health services.

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Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha emphasised the government's commitment to supporting those who cannot afford the contributions.

Speaking at a church event in Kwanza Sub-county of Trans Nzoia on Sunday, she stated, "We have those who cannot afford Sh300. We have the elderly, people living with disabilities who cannot raise the money... For this category, the government will cater for their insurance coverage."

Contrary to earlier promises of capping the contributions at a maximum of Sh5,000, the 2.75 per cent deduction will not have a cap, leading to a significant increase for top earners.

Salaried workers earning Sh100,000 will see a 62 per cent rise in contributions, from Sh1,700 to Sh2,750, while those with a gross pay of half a million shillings will face an eightfold increase, reaching Sh13,750.

CS Nakhumicha defended the move, citing problems in the health sector, such as shortages of drugs in hospitals.

She explained, "These regulations will ensure that Kenyans have access to personnel, medicine, and equipment in the nearest health centres to which they seek attention."

Also, the new regulations will cover individuals diagnosed with chronic illnesses through the 'Emergency Chronic and Critical Fund." CS Nakhumicha hinted at reforms in the Linda Mama programme to extend coverage to families, including children and husbands.

The SHIF is part of a comprehensive healthcare reform package that includes the Digital Health Act, the Primary Health Care Act, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act.

The government aims to address limitations observed in the National Health Insurance Fund and prioritise equitable access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services for all Kenyans.

Last week, the National Assembly Committee on Health chairperson, Dr Robert Pukose, said Kenyans will continue contributing to the NHIF until December.

"There is a transitional provision enabling Kenyans to contribute to the NHIF for one year. The NHIF fund will conclude its operations by December this year, and the responsibility will then shift to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)," Dr Pukose explained.