With schools set to reopen on Monday, August 26, the Education Ministry is urging parents across Kenya to register their children under the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before the new term begins.

An internal memo from Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, mandates that all school-going children be registered as dependents by their parents prior to the school opening. “All school-going children are therefore required to register as dependents of their parents before school opening dates for the third term of 2024,” Kipsang stated.

The memo, dated August 16 and marked urgent, has been communicated to regional and county education directors to ensure compliance. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to implement SHIF, which promises free healthcare for all Kenyans from birth to age 18.

President William Ruto announced the expansion of SHIF on August 10, highlighting that the coverage will now include primary school learners. “We are changing the old formula, which provided medical insurance for secondary school students only. Now, the government will provide medical insurance to all school-going children up to the age of 18,” Ruto asserted during a recent tour in Murang’a County.

With registration for SHIF already underway since July 1, 2024, parents can register through the official SHIF website, by dialing “147#”, or via the Afyangu portal. The registration must be completed promptly to ensure access to healthcare services once schools reopen.