Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced on Friday, June 28 that countrywide registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) would commence on July 1.
In a statement, the CS indicated that the exercise would be done across the country with Kenyans being able to undertake self-registration.
As detailed in the statement, the self-registration will be done via a USSD code USSD *147#.
On the other hand, Kenyans who want to do the self-registration can also enrol to the new health insurance coverage on the Social Health Authority (SHA) website - www.sha.go.ke.
Meanwhile, respective community health officials will assist those who will have challenges in undertaking the registration.
"In preparation for the rollout of the Social Health Insurance and its benefits, I hereby announce that registration shall commence from July 1, 2024.
"This will be conducted countrywide through self-registration by use of a USSD *147# or www.sha.go.ke, assisted registration by Community Health Promoters, visiting the NHIF Offices and other registration points as the SHA board will designate. Please note that registration is free," read the statement in part.
Contributions
According to the CS, the normal contribution to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will continue until SHA is fully rolled out.
"In light of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 that sought to finance the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund and set aside funds for indigents and vulnerable persons the Ministry is reworking to align to this reality.
"Therefore, the existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until we roll over to SHA," she stated.
Under SHIF, salaried Kenyans will be making deductions of 2.75 per cent of their salaries. Kenyans with an income will also make a similar contribution.
However, unemployed Kenyans above the age of 25 years will be paying Ksh300.