The Ministry of Health has extended the deadline for Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions from March to July 2024. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha made the announcement during a national validation exercise at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, stating, “The registration for the new health fund scheme will commence in March, with members set to enjoy benefits in the 2024/2025 financial year.”

Nakhumicha emphasized that stakeholders were consulted, leading to the formulation of documents for gazettement by the Attorney General. Terry Rotich, acting corporation secretary of the Social Health Authority (SHA), highlighted that Kenyans under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme must re-register with SHIF.

However, the Council of Governors, represented by Health Committee Chairperson Muthomi Njuki, expressed concerns about the rushed implementation of SHIF, stating that the Ministry of Health bypassed their input. Njuki stressed the need to address claims to public hospitals promptly.

Under SHIF, salaried Kenyans will have 2.75% deducted from their gross salary monthly, with a minimum monthly payment of Ksh300. Contributions will vary based on income, ranging from Ksh500 for those earning Ksh20,000 to Ksh27,500 for those with a basic salary of Ksh1 million and above.

The new health insurance fund is set to replace NHIF and eliminate the current Ksh1,700 contribution cap by employees. Stay tuned for further updates on the rollout of the SHIF program.