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The government is set to do away with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cards from October this year.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, President William Ruto's advisor on health financing, Daniel Mwai, revealed that the new Social Health Authority (SHA) will not be issuing health insurance cards.

He noted that Kenyans will be using their National Identity cards to access services in the hospital.

Mwai explained that Kenyans already had many cards hence the need to use the ID card in accessing healthcare services.

A photo of the NHIF building in Nairobi's Upper Hill taken on March 4, 2020.

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NHIF

On the other hand, he stated that Kenyans will be required to take up biometric verification at the hospital. This will be done to identify the patient and remove any loopholes for forged medical claims.

"Our expectation is that you will use your ID card. People are in the business of having too many cards.

"Once you go to the hospital with your ID card, the facility will already be known and the charge will be removed from your card. The biometrics will uniquely identify you," he stated.

Therefore, in facilitating the verification process, he stated that Kenyans would need to have the biometrics verified, especially for those who were in the NHIF cover.

The verification can be done at various NHIF offices with the government also set to release biometrics devices to Community Health Promoters.

SHIF registration commenced on July 1 and can be done through the SHA website - www.sha.go.ke or through USSD code *147#.

Other Changes

Unlike SHIF, Kenyans will be able to go to any hospital of their choice for treatment. Under NHIF, Kenyans were required to choose the facilities where they would be treated.

Mwai also confirmed that SHIF will also cover treatment in high-end private hospitals. However, expenses will only be met per the stipulated tariff.

"In the past, we had a lot of issues with the choice of facilities. You had to choose the facilities where you had to go. Where we are moving to, is a different environment altogether. Kenyans will choose the facilities where they will be going.

"They will also be able to know the benefits they are entitled to and the money they will be charged from the card even before they go to the hospital," he stated.

On the other hand, he noted that private pharmacies will also be accepting SHIF payments should they be put under the facilities in the new insurance scheme. 

On most occasions, Kenyans are usually asked to buy drugs from private pharmacies if the hospitals lack the medicines.

Nonetheless, the payment will only be made as per the published tariffs.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha speaking to President William Ruto during the inauguration of the MEDS Microbiology Laboratory at Syokimau on November 22, 2023.

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Susan Nakhumicha

Ahead of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) rollout, the Social Health Authority responded to frequently asked questions regarding the new healthcare cover.

SHA noted that most Kenyans had sought clarity over several issues regarding registration, benefits and access to health coverage as highlighted below.

Registration - What Identification documents are required?

As highlighted, Kenyans will provide a copy of their National Identification cards during the registration process.

Processed IDs at Nyayo House in Nairobi County.

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Julius Bitok

On the other hand, during the registration of children, parents will need to produce the birth certificates.

"Foreign residents may use their Foreign Resident Certificate (Alien ID) or a Refugee ID for refugees," read the response in part.

Nationwide registration for SHIF is scheduled to commence on Friday, June 21. There will be modes for registration including self-registration via mobile phones. Registration will also be done in hospitals and through Community Health Promoters (CHP).

Dependents - Who qualifies as a dependent?

Dependents that will be recognised during the registration include spouses and children. However, relatives who are dependent on a contributor can be included as beneficiaries.

"Children can be registered for the Social Health Authority. An application for a child without a form of identification should be accompanied by documentation provided by the state department responsible for social protection​​," SHA stated.

"At the time of registration or updating membership details, contributors can list their dependents to be covered under their health insurance."

Biometric Access - How can beneficiaries access healthcare?

Once SHIF is fully operational, Kenyans will be able to access medical healthcare at registered medical facilities in the country after having their biometrics taken.

The Authority explained the biometrics will be taken for verification purposes.

Contributions - What contributions are made to the authority?

As highlighted in the SHIF Act, Kenyans will contribute to the authority to be covered. Employed Kenyans will be making contributions at the rate of 2.75 per cent of their gross salary.

Employers will also match the contributions that have been made by the employees.

On the other hand, Kenyans in the informal sector will also be contributing 2.75 per cent of their income. However, unemployed Kenyans who are above 25 years old will be contributing Ksh300.

A photo of the NHIF building in Nairobi's Upper Hill taken on March 4, 2020.

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NHIF

"Contributions to a Social Health Authority shall be through payroll deductions for employed individuals, direct contributions from self-employed individuals, and government subsidies for indigent and vulnerable populations," SHA stated.

Benefits - What are the benefits under SHIF?

"The fund covers integrated preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services provided at level 4, 5, and 6 health facilities​​," the Authority responded.
 

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has published a new document breaking down treatment tariffs that will be used under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

As explained in the document, Kenyans with SHIF insurance policies will also be able to access six free services at SHIF-accredited hospitals in the country.

Among the services Kenyans will be able to access include; access to Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, HIV testing and follow-up tests, family planning, antimalarial medication and testing.

Anti-tuberculosis and immunisation services for children will also be offered for free.

A team of doctors at the Kenya University of Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) performing surgery in February 2023

KUTRRH

"ARVs, antimalarials, anti TBs, and associated tests, family planning commodities, and KEPI vaccines will be provided at public facilities and faith-based & private facilities that report to the health information system," read the guidelines in part.

Tariffs for Other Medical Services

On the other hand, the Ministry also released guidelines and tariffs for common services such as outpatient and inpatient.

The tariff for outpatient services was put at Ksh2,000 with a limit of four visits per person in a year.

Outpatient services include; consultation, diagnosis, and treatment, prescribed laboratory, and investigations, and basic radiological examinations including X-rays, ultrasounds, prescription, drug administration and dispensing.

On the other hand, in-patient services offered at Level 4-6 facilities will be charged at different rates depending on the facility's categorisation.

For instance, at Level 4 facilities, in-patient services will be charged at Ksh3,500 while the tariff for Level 5 facilities will be Ksh4,000.

At Level 6 health facilities, the inpatient tariff was proposed at Ksh5,000.

The scope of inpatient services includes hospital accommodation charges, meals and nursing care in a general ward bed.

"Inpatient services shall include management of disease/condition while admitted and that includes intra-admission consultation and reviews by both general and specialist consultants, laboratory investigations, medical imaging, procedures, and medication," read the report in part.

Normal delivery and essential newborn care will be charged at Ksh11,200 while caesarean section and essential newborn care will be charged at Ksh32,600

"SHIF maternity services will be accessed by members and their dependents with up-to-date membership.

"In case of peripartum and postnatal complications beyond 48 hours for normal deliveries and 72 hours for CS deliveries, then per diem rate takes effect. All claims in this category will have to undergo surveillance," the Ministry proposed.

Meanwhile, for the preservation of bodies in mortuaries, the cover will be limited to 5 days at a rate of Ksh500 per day.

Kenyans have been asked to give their view on the charges and submit their proposals before June 17.

"The comments, views, representation and any written memoranda may be forwarded to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Nairobi; hand-delivered to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary at Afya House 7th Floor, Nairobi; or emailed to regulations@health.go.ke; to be received on or before June 17, 2024, at 5:00 pm. 

"Additionally, there shall be physical and virtual meetings for public consultations and stakeholder engagement on the above draft Tariffs. The Ministry and Social Health Authority shall communicate the dates and venues for the physical and virtual public participation," the CS advised.

Deductions

Salaried Kenyans are expected to commence payment of 2.75 per cent of their salaries to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Those with an income will pay the same rate.

Unemployed Kenyans will pay a minimum rate of Ksh300.

Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha during a meeting with striking doctors.

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MOH

This week, the counties of Mombasa and Kilifi implemented a contentious ban on the trade of muguka, a stimulant leaf popular in Kenya. 

Our analysis reveals that this prohibition could have far-reaching economic and social consequences, potentially costing farmers up to Ksh1 billion per month and slashing over Ksh300 million from the revenue streams of both Mombasa and Embu counties.

While it is impossible to put a price on the lives of Kenyans, the ramifications of Mombasa’s muguka ban extend beyond health concerns. 

The financial fallout is poised to affect service delivery and livelihoods in both counties. 

Over 2,000 traders in Mombasa now find themselves in limbo, while more than 65,000 farmers in Embu are scrambling for alternative markets for their produce.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, on May 24, highlighted that the muguka sector generates approximately Ksh22 billion annually. 

Our in-depth investigation indicates that Mombasa alone accounts for Ksh12 billion of this total revenue. This points to the critical role Mombasa plays as a market for muguka.

Historical data reveals that in 2019, five canter lorries of miraa and muguka entered Mombasa daily. As of May 2024, farmers from Embu and Kirinyaga are delivering 36,000 kilogrammes of muguka to Mombasa each day. 

Traders and transporters packing muguka into a car for transport, May 2024.

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Governor Mbarire

According to a recent health committee report, about 31.4 per cent of Mombasa's residents, primarily aged between 19 and 44, are regular users of muguka. 

This demographic represents Kenya’s most productive age group, highlights the potential societal impact of the ban.

Mombasa, with a projected population of 1.3 million, has approximately 393,000 muguka users. The city has emerged as the largest market for muguka in Kenya, providing significant daily revenue to farmers.

Mbeerembu Miraa Cooperative Union chairman Jervasius Nyombyekoth estimates that farmers earn Ksh10.8 million daily from Mombasa, translating to Ksh3.63 billion annually and Ksh302 million monthly.

Our analysis reveals that farmers could lose up to Ksh1 billion monthly due to the ban. 

This figure is derived from the daily delivery of 36,000 kilogrammes of muguka to Mombasa, with prices ranging between Ksh500 to Ksh1,000 per kilogramme.

 On the higher end, this volume translates to over Ksh1 billion monthly revenue, a significant economic driver for the farmers.

To contextualise, Ksh1 billion is comparable to the amount the Ministry of Health allocated this week to procure a year’s supply of vaccines for infants. 

It also represents nearly a third of what some counties receive in equitable share allocations. Thus, the ban’s economic impact is substantial.

The ban is also set to cause a significant dent in Mombasa’s revenue collections. 

Reports indicate that over 2,000 individuals are involved in the muguka supply chain in Mombasa, including wholesalers, retailers, and transporters. 

The county stands to lose over Ksh336 million in cess from muguka imports alone, not accounting for parking fees and additional cess collected from traders.

Governors Cecily Mbarire and Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir during a meeting to iron out issues around muguka in Mombasa County.

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Governor Mbarire

Despite recent negotiations that led to a reduction in licensing fees for miraa and muguka dealers, the ban was enforced. 

A three-tonne lorry previously paid Ksh30,000, a pick-up Ksh20,000, and a handcart Ksh10,000. Additional charges included Ksh1,500 per box and Ksh1,200 per sack of miraa.

In Embu County, Governor Mbarire anticipates a loss of over Ksh13.2 million in revenue collections. 

This figure is based on the monthly collection of Ksh1.1 million from over 3,000 traders in 2023.

Muguka cultivation, involving 65,000 farmers, is a critical income source for the region, second only to coffee and tea. Individual farmers can earn up to Ksh30,000 weekly from muguka sales.

The Embu county government has invested over Ksh60 million in supporting muguka farmers and traders. 

The ban’s implementation in Mombasa, initiated under Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, comes amid rising concerns over mental health and substance abuse linked to muguka use.

With Kilifi County also banning muguka and other coastal counties considering similar measures, the future of the crop remains uncertain. 

The widespread economic and social impact of these bans could reshape the livelihoods of thousands and alter the financial landscape of entire regions.

A photo collage of Miraa (left) and Muguka.

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Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore on Tuesday announced that eligible Kenyans would be able to start applying for Inua Jamii funds starting May 21. 

Successful applicants will be receiving Ksh2,000 every month from the national government starting from June 2024. 

The registration drive targets to register an additional 500,000 households to the existing 207,000 recipients. 

“Household registration for Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer (PWSD-CT) and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) is starting tomorrow Wednesday, May 22,” the CS stated. 

Elderly Kenyans awaiting Inua Jamii services in Kiambu County on April 14, 2018.

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Inua Jamii

“Similarly, account opening for older persons will also start on the same day.”

How to Apply

If you are a senior citizen aged 70 or  PWSD, you can enroll by dialing *222#.

The USSD code will then give you social protection services offered by eCitizen including; Government of Kenya flood relief, Inua Jamii, Housing and Tax Payment. 

After selecting Inua Jamii you will be prompted to select preferred language between English and Kiswahili. 

After choosing the language you are conversant with, you will then be asked to press 1 to enroll on the Inua Jamii programme. 

“Your name and ID will be checked against the Government of Kenya records,” the service will indicate after pressing one. 

Should you accept the aforementioned terms and conditions, you will then be required to confirm your mobile pin.

“Please note that the Directorate of Social Assistance has full rights to approve or reject your request for access,” Kenyans registering are advised

Kilifi County Elders during Inua Funds meeting with President William Ruto on September 28, 2018

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William Ruto

Taglines

• Kenyans working for extraterritorial organisations, like the UN, are the top earners with an average annual salary of Ksh4 million.
• County government employees earn more than those employed in national government ministries.
• The average monthly salary of teachers is Ksh60,000.
• The public sector average earnings rose by 12.1 per cent

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed some of the country's top-paying public and private sectors.

As detailed in the Economic Survey 2024, eight sectors paid their employees Ksh1.8 million and above in 2023.

Notably, the top-paying sector was extraterritorial organisations and bodies. Employees in this sector earned an average of Ksh4 million in 2023. This translated to a monthly salary of Ksh333,000.

Additionally, Kenyans employed in the public sector for accommodation and food activities were the second highest-paid employees with an annual income of Ksh2.8 million.

An undated image of United Nation's Headquarters in New York, US.

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UN

The public transport sector was also among the sectors with top-paying jobs. The report put the annual salary at Ksh2.4 million. The counterparts in the private sector earned Ksh1.6 million in 2023.

On the other hand, employees in private companies dealing with electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supplies earned an average of Ksh2.3 million.

Likewise, Kenyans engaged in financial and insurance activities were also offered jobs with lucrative salaries. On average, those in private practice earned Ksh2.2 million. Their counterparts in public practice earned an average of Ksh1.5 million.

Meanwhile, medical practitioners working in government institutions also topped the top earners' list with annual average salaries of Ksh1.8 million.

The other two top-paying private sectors were administrative and support service activities (Ksh1.8 million) and professional, scientific and technical activities (Ksh1.6 million).

"Annual average earnings in both public and private sectors rose by 22.6 per cent over the five-year period. The public sector average earnings rose by 12.1 per cent compared to a 27.5 per cent increase in the private sector over the five-year period.

"In the private sector, employees in Other service activities recorded the highest increase in average earnings of 39.4 per cent, while average earnings of employees in Accommodation and food service, activities registered the lowest increase of 10.7 per cent in the
five-year period," read the report in part.

The report also outlined the salaries paid by ministries and top government institutions as detailed below;

For instance, Kenyans employed in state corporations earned an average of Ksh1.3 million. This translates to Ksh108,000 per month.

County government employees earned an average of Ksh896,000 in 2023. This translates to a monthly salary of Ksh74,000.

On the other hand, employees in government ministries earned an average of Ksh63,000.

An average teacher's monthly income from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) was projected at Ksh60,000.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) on Tuesday, May 21, released university and TVET placement results for 2023 KCSE students.

According to the report released by CEO Agnes Wahome, 134,743 students were placed in public universities to pursue various degree programmes.

Over 18,000 students were also placed to pursue degree courses in private universities.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Mercy Wahome

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KUCCPS

Wahome also revealed that more male students who sat for their national examinations in 2023, applied for degree courses at the universities.

Conversely, more female students applied for degree programmes at TVET institutions.

"85 per cent of 2023 KCSE candidates with C+ and above made applications where 76.2 per cent opted for Degree courses while the rest opted for Diploma (11,991).

"Bachelor of Education attracted the highest number of applicants. Male applicants continued to dominate placement to Degree programmes, sustaining a trend that has been observed since the beginning of the central placement system," the CEO revealed.

How to Check

To check placement results, university students should log into the students portal: students.kuccps.net.

Log-in requirements include the applicant’s KCSE Index Number, the applicant’s KCSE year and the password.

Once students log in to their accounts, they will be informed of the learning institutions where they have been placed and the courses they have been selected to undertake on the dashboard.

No charges are enforced in checking results on the portal. One only needs to have data bundles or be connected to the internet through a Wi-Fi connection.

"KUCCPS congratulates all the candidates whose placement report has been released today. Log in to students.kuccps.net to check the details of your university and college placement," KUCCPS stated.

A photo of the University of Nairobi Main Campus

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University of Nairobi

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has listed various documentation that is required to facilitate the transfer of vehicles that banks and auctioneers have auctioned for loan and rent arrears.

Below is the detailed list of documents Kenyans ought to produce for the vehicle bought through the two auctions.

Vehicles Repossed by Banks

Kenyans who purchase vehicles that banks have repossessed ought to produce a certified copy of the auctioneer's license and the auctioneer's registration certificate.

The display of the integrated NTSA -Ecitizen platform.

Kenyans.co.ke

Additionally, NTSA required one to present the KRA PIN for the auctioned vehicle, tender documents for the tendered motor vehicle and a letter of instruction issued by a financial institution appointing the auctioneer.

A certificate of sale, original purchase receipt, discharge letter from the bank, official letter for request of transfer, original registration certificate, and certificate of incorporation for the bank and auctioneer are also required to facilitate the transfer.

Other documents are the KRA PIN for an auctioneer and the bank, a letter from the Bank showing the highest bidder, sworn affidavit by the institution auctioning, a sworn affidavit by the applicant, a tape lift from DC and the transfer form.

Further, the applicant also needs to provide a copy of the advertisement that announced the auction.

Cars Bought on Rent Auctions

For this category, NTSA noted that the applicant needs to present 13 documents including a request letter written by the new owner.

Other documents are an original logbook or police abstract, properly filled Form C stamped by the auctioneer, tape lift from the DCI and a sworn affidavit from a magistrate or Advocate.

The new owner also needs to provide a copy of their ID Copy of ID & KRA PIN including those of the previous owners.

A certificate of registration and KRA PIN of the company, a copy of the auctioneer licence and registration certificate, a certificate of sale and a copy of the vesting order are also required.

On the other hand, NTSA also requires one to present a newspaper advertisement on the auction of the vehicles.

A  warrant of attachment of movable property and warrant of sale also needs to be included in the application.

Process on E-Citizen 

• Log into your E-Citizen account
• Select NTSA Service Portal 
• Go to services and select alternative/forced transfer
• Fill in the required information, and select the type of alternative transfer
• Attach original clear coloured scanned documents combined as a single PDF file
• Indicate the collection centre and the ID number of the authorized person to collect the logbook, then click on submit.
• Make payments for the transfer application and inspection services.
• Wait for the 7-day standstill period for process verification.
• Log in to your account and view the inspection booking prompt under notifications. Select the preferred centre and date.
• Present the vehicle for inspection.
• Present the original documents to the identified logbook collection centre.
• Upon approval, a notification shall be sent to the new owner

An undated image of vehicles at a yard for sale.

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KPA