The Ministry of Health on Monday, February 26, announced the extension of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions from March to July 2024.
During a national validation exercise on draft regulations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced that the registration for the new health fund scheme would commence in March.
Nakhumicha added that the registration exercise will end on June 30 and that members would start enjoying the benefits in the 2024/2025 financial year.
While announcing the new date for deductions, the Health CS noted that all stakeholders involved had been consulted and thus the document that would be presented to the Attorney General for gazettement.
Terry Rotich, Social Health Authority (SHA) acting corporation secretary noted that Kenyans registered under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme will also be required to register afresh with authority as members of SHIF.
Nonetheless, the Council of Governors represented by Health Committee Chairperson Muthomi Njuki, lamented the rushing of implementation of SHIF, stating the Ministry of Health bypassed their input and only involved them when announcing inclusions.
"The governors want the issue of claims to public hospitals addressed with speed, noting that most of the beneficiaries of claims may be private hospitals as was in NHIF," read a section of a statement by the Ministry of Health.
Under the new health insurance fund, salaried Kenyans will be deducted 2.75 per cent of their gross salary every month.
Meanwhile, those whose income is not derived from salaries will pay an annual contribution of 2.75 per cent of the household income as determined by the Ministry of Health through the means-testing.
However, the amount payable every month shall not be less than Ksh300. Kenyans earning Ksh20,000 and above will pay Ksh500 while those earning Ksh50,000 contribute Ksh13750. Those earning Ksh200,000 monthly will be obliged to contribute Ksh5,500.
Kenyans earning above Ksh500,000 will pay Ksh13750 while those earning a basic salary of Ksh1 million and above pay Ksh27500.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha earlier this year announced that the mandatory deductions to the new health fund would begin in March.
SHIF is set to replace NHIF and will revoke the current maximum of Ksh1,700 contribution made by employees.
