The government has issued a directive requiring all civil servants to register for the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by October 1, 2024. This mandate aims to transition civil servants from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the revamped system, which promises expanded benefits and greater accessibility to healthcare services.
Speaking at a press conference, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura confirmed that the Ministries of Energy and ICT will support the nationwide rollout by ensuring internet and power connectivity at health facilities. Additionally, the Ministry of Education will assist with student registration, while the Ministry of the Interior will facilitate the implementation process through the National Government Administrative Offices (NGAOs) network.
As of September 3, 2024, a total of 861,101 Kenyans had already registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), and 9,792 health facilities, including 2,008 public and 7,784 private and faith-based institutions, had been licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). Mwaura emphasized that public awareness and education about the transition from NHIF to SHA are now the government's priority, with healthcare provider engagement expected to begin once tariffs are officially gazetted.
Under SHIF, salaried employees in the formal sector will contribute 2.75% of their gross salary through their employers. Non-salaried individuals in the informal sector will also contribute the same percentage, based on means testing to determine income levels. The national and county governments will cover insurance premiums for vulnerable populations, including the poor and prisoners, through social protection programs.
Key improvements offered by SHIF include full digitization, biometric verification for easier access, independent accreditation of health facilities, an expanded benefits package, and reduced monthly premiums from Sh500 to Sh300. The shift promises universal healthcare coverage, emergency care services, and government support for the most disadvantaged populations, including the severely disabled, as outlined in the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2003.
Once registered, Kenyans will be able to use their SHA cards at a wide range of facilities, including public, private, and faith-based healthcare institutions, marking a major step toward achieving universal healthcare in the country.
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