The government on Thursday, September 5, handed all civil servants a strict 25-day timeline to register for the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The ultimatum, which expires on October 1, follows a slow uptake of the new health scheme despite weeks of public sensitisation.
Data released by the government shows that just over 861,000 Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), representing a meagre 6 per cent of the 14 million citizens enrolled under the now-replaced National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
To put this figure into perspective, there are nearly one million civil servants working at both levels of government.
What this means: The slow uptake paints the picture of the confusion, misinformation, and general apprehension that have surrounded the move to replace NHIF. The cap is critical since the fund will only succeed through contributions.
And despite the contributions being mandatory, the government will find it difficult to justify the spending of funds, with Kenyans hesitant to join the new scheme.
Dig deeper: Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasised the urgency of the matter, stating, “All civil servants must ensure they are registered by the timeline. Ministries such as Energy and ICT have been instructed to support the necessary infrastructure, including power and internet connections, to ensure health facilities are ready.”
This comes after the government previously mandated that parents register their children under SHIF. The latest push signals the government's intent to overhaul the healthcare system by ensuring that all public employees are registered and fully covered by the new scheme.
The statement from Mwaura also revealed that 9,792 health facilities, including 2,008 public and 7,784 private and faith-based institutions, are now accredited under the scheme.
He further stated that the Ministry of Education and Interior are crucial partners in the roll-out process, with the Interior Ministry's National Government Administrative Offices (NGAOs) network being tasked with facilitating regional implementation.
"The transition from NHIF to SHA is not just a name change," Mwaura noted. "It comes with significant benefits, including full digitisation, biometric verification, an expanded benefits package, and reduced monthly premiums. Salaried employees will now contribute 2.75 per cent of their gross income, while those in informal sectors will contribute based on means testing."
As the government tightens the noose on registration timelines, the Ministry of Education has been tasked with supporting student registration, signalling that this initiative aims for universal coverage across all age groups.
One of the standout features of SHIF is the government's pledge to cover premiums for the poorest Kenyans, vulnerable groups, and those in custody. Mwaura clarified that "the government will shoulder the burden for those who cannot afford the premiums through social protection programmes." This is expected to be a lifeline for overburdened households struggling with Kenya's economic challenges.
Healthcare providers are also a key focus in the coming weeks. "Draft contracts with providers are finalised. Once tariffs are gazetted, we’ll engage healthcare providers fully to ensure a smooth transition," Mwaura stated.
The SHA card, he added, will grant access to all health facilities, whether public, private, or faith-based.
