Workers can now take a breath of relief as Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced the postponement of deductions towards the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to July. Originally scheduled to begin in the first week of March, the deductions will now commence in July, with registration for members taking place from March to June 30. The new fund replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The ministry aims to start contributions at a rate of 2.75 per cent with a minimum payment of Sh300 in July. Members previously registered under NHIF will need to register afresh for the new social health scheme. During a national validation exercise at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, CS Nakhumicha mentioned that many Kenyans have welcomed the new regulations, rating them at 75 to 80 percent. The Social Health Authority Act will require Kenyans to pay 2.75 per cent of their household income to SHIF.

Concerns were raised during the validation exercise, including issues related to the means testing tool used to determine non-salaried contributors’ payments. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the Health Committee at the Council of Governors, emphasized the incorporation of devolved units into the transition committee overseeing the shift from NHIF to SHIF. He also highlighted the need for swift resolution of claims to public hospitals and urged the national government to streamline the rollout of the Primary Healthcare Fund to benefit both public and private sectors.

In response to these concerns, CS Nakhumicha assured that the issues will be addressed before presenting the regulations to Parliament for approval. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition and acknowledged the initial target of starting contributions by March 1.