Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced on Monday that deductions for the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will be deferred to July 2024.
This push will definitely provide relief for Kenyans since the deductions are slightly higher than the current NHIF contributions.
The CS made the announcement during a national validation exercise held on Monday, February 26 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Originally set to begin in March, the deductions will now start after a registration period from March to June.
“Our aim is to commence registration from the first week of March up to June, with contributions starting at a rate of 2.75 per cent with a minimum payment of Sh300. Our hope is that access to these benefits will start in July,” Nakhumicha stated.
Under the new scheme, members previously registered with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will need to register afresh.
During the meeting, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the Health Committee at the Council of Governors, further emphasized the importance of involving devolved units in the transition committee overseeing the shift from NHIF to SHIF.
Njuki also urged swift resolution of claims to public hospitals, expressing concern that most beneficiaries may be private hospitals, similar to NHIF.
