CS Nakhumicha unveils 10-member committee to spearhead new Social Health Insurance Fund

According to a statement on X, the committee was appointed through a gazette notice dated January 26, 2024, to ensure a seamless transition from the long-standing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and transition Kenyans to SHIF.

The committee, MoH notes, will be chaired by Kap-Kirwok R. Jason.

Other members include Dr. Daniel Mwai, Dr. Kipruto Chermusoi Chesang, Dr. Jacinta N. Wasike, Gladys Wambui Mburu, Stephen Kaboro Mbugua and Dr. Elizabeth N. Wangia.

The last three are Christopher Leparan Tialal, Dr. Jacob Otachi Orina, and Dr. Stanley Bii.

CS Nakhumicha on January 25, said that all systems are in place to phase out NHIF and transition to SHIF set to be launched in March of 2024.

She stated that MoH is only awaiting approval for the Act's regulations, after which due process would be followed to ensure that registration of individuals begins in March, followed by contributions in the same month.

According to the CS, the NHIF system was plagued by a myriad of fundamental flaws that made it an unviable medical cover option for Kenyans, hence the need for a switch.

CS Nakhumicha went ahead to state that NHIF was only designed for salaried Kenyans who could afford to pay it, thereby overlooking unemployed citizens therefore the move to institute a system that addresses the health concerns of all Kenyans – salaried or not.

The SHIF will see salaried employees make a monthly contribution of 2.75% and unsalaried Kenyans will contribute a minimum of Ksh.300.

The implementation of the Act had been barred by the High Court until January 19, when the Court of Appeal lifted orders that were issued by the High Court.

In their verdict, a three-judge bench ruled that owing to the suspension of the roll-out of the new health fund, there is "a real and present danger to the health rights of countless citizens who are not parties to the litigation pending before our courts."