CS Nakumicha: SHIF Registration to Begin After National Launch by Ruto

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced that registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will begin after a national launch led by President William Ruto, with plans to ensure widespread awareness through various communication strategies.
• The transition to SHIF will involve a three-month registration period, with salary deductions for employed individuals and monthly contributions for unemployed Kenyans above 25 years old, aiming to provide continued access to healthcare services and address outstanding bills owed to hospitals.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced plans for the commencement of registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following a nationwide launch. 

During a visit to hospitals in Nairobi County on March 19, the CS disclosed that the national launch would be led by President William Ruto, who is expected to officially kickstart the registration process.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusivity, Nakhumicha assured that comprehensive communication strategies would be deployed to ensure widespread awareness and participation in the registration exercise. 

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Earlier plans had slated the mandatory registration for health insurance to begin earlier in the month.

Detailing the communication strategy, Nakhumicha outlined that the President would communicate the official start date of the registration process during the national launch, with further dissemination facilitated through local administrators and community leaders.

Although the precise date of the launch remains unspecified, it is anticipated to occur in the imminent future. 

Following the launch, the mandatory registration period is slated to span three months, allowing ample time for eligible individuals to enroll.

Amidst the transition to SHIF, the CS reassured Kenyans of uninterrupted access to healthcare services. 

She acknowledged the issue of outstanding bills owed to hospitals across the country, announcing the Treasury’s commitment to releasing Ksh1 billion to settle the outstanding payments owed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

While the transition progresses, Kenyans will continue utilizing NHIF until the benefits of SHIF are fully implemented in July. 

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Additionally, salary deductions for SHIF coverage are set to commence this month, with employed individuals contributing 2.75 percent of their gross pay towards the scheme. A similar contribution structure will be applied to households in the informal sector.

Furthermore, unemployed Kenyans aged 25 and above will be required to make monthly contributions of Ksh300 towards SHIF, ensuring broad coverage and financial sustainability for the healthcare initiative.