The Ministry of Health has now changed dates when kenyans will start contributing to the Social Health Insurance Fund Deductions after uproar.
According to the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, the ministry of health has now directed that citizens will now pay 2.75 per cent of their gross salaries towards the SHIF, starting July 1.
This comes just months after the Ministry said that kenyans will start contributing to the SHIF starting March, an idea that caused nationwide uproar. This was due to services by SHIF was set to begin in July despite the early contributions.
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Reports indicate that the Ministry will start with nationwide member registration to the new insurance fund by June 30th to allow the official rollout by July, 2024.
“Payment of contributions and access to healthcare services under the Act and these Regulations shall commence on the 1st July 2024.”
According to the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, the deductions will start immediately in July as the government transitions from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)
“Our projection is that we need three months to prepare ourselves. We need a digital system to do the registration and test it ahead of the official rollout on 1st July.”
Under the new scheme, individuals earning Ksh20,000 will contribute Ksh550, while those earning Ksh100,000 or more will see a higher deduction of Ksh2,750. This marks a significant change from the previous NHIF deductions.
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Vulnerable individuals will now pay a monthly contribution of Ksh1,000, with the national and county governments allocated responsibilities to cover contributions for needy citizens.
Further, the SHIF mandates mandatory contributions for all adults seeking government services, including foreigners residing in Kenya for more than 12 months, reflecting a comprehensive approach to healthcare financing.