The Ministry of Health has reversed its previous commitment to initiate Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions in July 2024. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha clarified during an interview with media on Wednesday, March 6, that the government now mandates the deductions to commence in March.
CS Nakhumicha announced that the Ministry would publish the SHIF regulations in the gazette on Friday, March 8, facilitating employers to incorporate these deductions into the March payroll.
On February 26, the Ministry of Health initially stated that the deductions would commence in July after the registration of all Kenyans into the new system. However, providing clarification, CS Nakhumicha stated that starting from March, the government will require a 90-day period to prepare for the nationwide implementation of the universal health plan.
Kenyans will not be able to access the benefits of the insurance scheme until July 2024.
While employed Kenyans will have their SHIF deductions automatically deducted from their salaries, unemployed individuals will be required to contribute Ksh300 monthly. In cases where the government determines that an individual cannot afford this amount, it will be advanced to them in the form of a loan.
The national government has collaborated with financial institutions to provide loans for SHIF, which will be repaid once the individual secures employment.
For those in the informal sector, access to government services will be contingent on having insurance coverage, meaning they must pay for SHIF to receive these services.
Recent Comments