Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha on Sunday, June 2, stated that in 30 days, President William Ruto would lead the nation to pay for the Social Insurance Health Fund (SHIF).
Speaking in Bungoma County, CS Nakhumicha remarked that salaried Kenyans led by the President would see a 2.5% deduction from their monthly salaries directed towards SHIF.
According to the CS, this was to ensure that universal healthcare was rolled out for the benefit of all Kenyans whom majority could not afford hospital fees.
“When we were saying about 2.75%, the time is here now. We have started a countdown in 30 days,” she stated.
“President William Ruto, you will lead Kenyans in remitting 2.75 per cent of your salary we start helping those who cannot afford healthcare.”
CS Nakhumicha remarked that there had been fear of a health crisis due to the phasing out of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
According to the Health CS, mothers were most affected due to the discontinuation of Linda Mama, a cover that provided them with maternity insurance.
She assured Kenyans that all the benefits that were in Linda Mama would be transferred to SHIF.
“I want to assure mothers that the Linda Mama, which was taking care of you when pregnant, SHIF now protects you, your child and your husband,” the CS started.
To ensure a seamless transition from NHIF to SHIF, CS Nakhumicha remarked that her ministry would be launching a nationwide registration exercise.
“Registration will be easy and every Kenyan will be able to do self-registration,” she stated.
According to CS Nakhumicha, Kenyans will be able to register through a USSD code, or community health promoters and hospitals.
