Kenyans Given 90 Days for Mandatory Registration to Ruto’s New Scheme
Starting January 2024, it will be mandatory for all residents of Kenya to enroll in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), as stipulated by the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act of 2023.
This requirement is implemented to ensure that individuals in Kenya have access to health services as outlined in the Act.
“Within ninety days upon the coming into force of these Regulations, every person resident in Kenya shall apply for registration to the Authority as a member of the Social Health Insurance Fund,” the Act reads in part.
On Friday, January 19, there was a positive development for the government as the Court of Appeal lifted the High Court orders that had previously prevented the implementation of the Act.
With the Ministry of Health now authorized to proceed, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is set to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In contrast to SHIF, which will extend coverage to all Kenyans, NHIF did not require mandatory registration for non-salaried individuals. President William Ruto announced on Sunday, January 21, that the government would cover the monthly contributions for Kenyans from vulnerable households.
During a media interview on Monday, Senator Danson Mungatana of Tana River explained the government’s position, stating the reasons behind its inability to make payments for unregistered individuals.
“Even if you say you are not going to be able to raise any money, the requirement is that you should be registered for practical reasons,” he stated.
“If the community health providers say you are a person of very low means and you cannot pay, the government will pay for you. But you still have to register so that we know that you are there.”
Mungatana emphasized that this initiative will enable the government to accurately track the number of Kenyans utilizing public health services.
Furthermore, it will assist the Ministry of Health in planning for medication and healthcare personnel by considering the registered population.
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Kenyans Given 90 Days for Mandatory Registration to Ruto’s New Scheme
