Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, has clarified the distinction between Taifa Care and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), following the rebranding of SHIF to Taifa Care by President William Ruto during November’s State of the Nation Address.
Kimtai explained that Taifa Care encompasses the entire healthcare ecosystem, highlighting the benefits one receives through SHIF, where individuals are covered based on their premium contributions.
“We have multiple funds under Taifa Care, including the Primary Health Care Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. The whole package is collectively known as Taifa Care because it allows individuals to benefit from all these funds,” the PS said in an interview on KBC tv.
He further noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will oversee the three funds as part of the government’s broader healthcare reform efforts.

This restructured system, introduced by the Ruto administration, replaces the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“The NHIF system had its challenges, which is why we had to overhaul it. What we need now is an integrated healthcare system that goes beyond just handling claims,” Kimtai added.