Following the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) on October 1, 2024, the government has outlined crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). In a statement, Acting Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Elijah Wachira directed that all hospitals with patients admitted before September 30, 2024, should process payments through NHIF to avoid disruptions in healthcare services.
Wachira also urged all contracted healthcare providers to escalate any concerns to their designated SHA branch manager for quick resolution. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of encouraging patients to register for SHIF to ensure their medical expenses are covered under the new program.
“The Social Health Authority has assumed all functions and operations previously managed by the NHIF Board of Management,” the statement noted. According to Section 25 of the SHIF Act, the SHA is now responsible for purchasing healthcare services and ensuring that beneficiaries receive quality care from contracted providers.
Despite the rollout, concerns have been raised by Kenyans about the government’s preparedness to implement SHIF. Critics question why the government launched a Ksh.100 billion program to replace NHIF instead of improving the existing system, suggesting that reforming NHIF might have been a more cost-effective option.
Under SHIF, all Kenyans will be required to contribute 2.75 percent of their income, with a minimum contribution of Ksh.300.
