Parents ordered to register learners under SHIF before start of third term

The Ministry of Education has directed that all parents must ensure their school-going children are registered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before the third term begins on August 26, 2024.

In a memo addressed to all Regional and County Directors of Education, the ministry said that parents need to register their children as dependents under SHIF.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang noted that registration of SHIF is mandatory for all Kenyans including children.

"Registration of all Kenyans to the Social Health Insurance Fund commenced on July 1, 2024, as a key enabler towards the realisation of our Universal Health Coverage. All school-going children are therefore required to register as dependents of their parents before school opening dates for the third term 2024," Kipsang said.

Kipsang said the registration process can be completed online through sha.go.ke, or by dialing *147#, or via afyangu.go.ke. Additionally, a soft copy of the registration guide is available at www.sha.go.ke.

“For any challenges during registration, please contact the Social Health Authority call centre at 0800720601 or via email at [email protected],” the ministry said.

The Social Health Insurance Act, which was enacted on October 19, 2023, and came into force on November 22, 2023, mandates that every Kenyan, including children, must register as a member of the Social Health Insurance Fund.

Enhanced benefit package

The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Medical Services and the Social Health Authority, said it has developed an enhanced benefit package for the Edu Afya medical scheme under the SHIF.

Under the SHIF, Kenyans will now contribute 2.75 per cent of their income towards the health fund. For those without jobs, a new tiered payment system has been introduced, requiring them to contribute Sh300 to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) based on their ability to pay, instead of the previous flat rate of Sh500 per month.

The government said it will step in to cover medical insurance expenses for vulnerable Kenyans who are unable to make the Sh300 contribution.

Last year, the government halted the EduAfya insurance programme for learners, sparking widespread outcry among parents and students. However, the program has been reinstated under SHIF, with Sh4.6 billion allocated for it. The funding will be transferred to the Primary Healthcare Fund, ensuring coverage for students and their families.

The EduAfya Medical Scheme was initially introduced in May 2018 following a directive from former President Uhuru Kenyatta. It provided insurance coverage for students in public secondary schools across the country, with the government paying a premium of Sh1,350 per student.

The Ministry of Education facilitated the scheme through the Free Day Secondary Education program, covering premiums for over 3.4 million learners.