Kenyans are set to contribute to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) starting next month, as confirmed by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
The implementation of SHIF was given the green light by the High Court.
Meanwhile,Nakhumicha believes it will greatly reduce healthcare costs for millions of underprivileged Kenyans.
She expressed her satisfaction with the court’s decision and assured the public that the program is on track to fulfill its promises.
“I am happy that the court allowed us to continue with the implementation of this program.
We are on course of delivering what we promised Kenyans,”CS Nakhumincha stated.
However,Nakhumicha revealed that the SHIF is currently in the public participation stage,
and the regulations will be put into effect within the next two weeks.
CS praised the program as a blessing for those who cannot afford healthcare,
stating that President Kenyatta had pledged to lower contributions from Ksh500 to Ksh300.
“The president promised to lower the contribution from 500 to 300 shillings and we are ready to implement within the next two to three weeks.”
“Kenyan will start making their own contribution on to this fund,”she added.
The CS emphasized that Kenyans would start making their contributions to the fund within the next two to three weeks.
However,the need for the SHIF is driven by the high cost of treating serious conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
Nakhumicha highlighted that the Constitution guarantees good health for every Kenyan,but many citizens suffer from these diseases.
“The constitution guarantees good health to every Kenyans but most Kenyan who are burdened by this diseases,”CS stated.
Therefore ,the government spends over Ksh30 billion annually on treating and managing these conditions,
which could be better utilized for employment creation and other projects.
Consequently,the CS previously stated that the new regulations would address the limitations of the National Health Insurance Fund –
by prioritizing equitable access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare for all.
Thus, SHIF is part of a comprehensive healthcare reform package that includes the Digital Health Act,
Primary Health Care Act, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act.
In addition to discussing healthcare, Nakhumicha condemned the killings of young girls and women, urging for their protection.
She called out those responsible for these heinous acts and appealed to law enforcement agencies to take strict action against them.
Human rights activists took to the streets in protest of the rising cases of femicide in the country.
Over 16 women have been murdered in the past month, mostly by their intimate partners.
Morever ,the implementation of the SHIF will bring relief to many Kenyans struggling with healthcare costs.
The program aims to provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare for all, addressing the limitations of the current system.
However, the CS also highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of femicide and protect the lives of young girls and women in Kenya.
