Kenyans who have attained the age of 25 years and are unemployed will be required to remit Ksh300 monthly, according to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) regulations, 2023.
In the new regulations, any unemployed Kenyan who lives on his own or is living with people who already contribute to the Fund will still be required to pay the monthly deductions.
According to the regulations, the unemployed youth will be treated as a household separate from the contributor.
For instance, a graduate who has attained the age of 25 years and is living with his parents who contribute to the SHIF, will be required to remit Ksh300 monthly to the government.
For households that are unable to pay the SHIF deductions, the national and county governments will act as a contributor and pay the amount.
The Ministry of Health will identify households that require financial assistance and submit the list to the Social Health Authority.
"The national government and county government shall remit the amounts payable within nine days from the date when the annual contribution of the beneficiaries is due," the statement reads in part.
Kenyans who had registered under the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will also be required to register in the new Fund within 90 days from the date it took effect.
President William Ruto assented to the Social Health Insurance Bill into law on October 19, 2023. The High Court, however, suspended the implementation of the Fund until a case challenging its legality is heard.
In his manifesto, President Ruto promised to revolutionise the health sector, ensuring that all Kenyans can access quality healthcare in an efficient, affordable and fair manner.
Some of the changes involved employed Kenyans parting with 2.75 per cent of their salary to access health services.
