President William Ruto has announced that healthcare will be free for all Kenyans from birth till they turn 18, when the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will begin in the next three months.
Currently undergoing its first phase of rollout, SHIF will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), marking a pivotal shift in Kenya’s healthcare landscape.
The system aims to ensure equity and access to healthcare by covering everyone in the country, including those NHIF had left out.
Under SHIF, all workers are expected to contribute 2.75% of their income to the fund. The government will cover residents who cannot afford the contributions.
Self-employed or unemployed Kenyans who contributed KSh 500 monthly to NHIF will now pay KSh 300, based on their ability to contribute.
SHIF addresses basic healthcare services and provides a broad range of services to Kenyans across multiple medical fields, ensuring holistic healthcare coverage.
Read Also: Health Ministry to Re-Introduce Linda Mama
Speaking on Friday, August 9, during a development tour in Mathioya, Ruto also announced that the EduAfya medical cover provided to secondary students will be expanded to include learners in primary schools.
“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,” said Ruto.
Return of Linda Mama
The head of state also said the Linda Mama programme will be expanded for women to enjoy 10 pre-natal and post- natal visits up from the current six.
As earlier reported on TUKIO.co.ke, Public health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni sought to assure Kenyans that the Linda Mama programme started by the Jubilee programme will be re-introduced.
The PS has said this year alone, the government has set aside Sh2 billion for the programme.
Muthoni further noted that the government plans to enhance the programme to offer more benefits to expectant mothers.
Kenyans have been registering their discontent with plans by the government to scrap the programme that has been credited for increased hospital births that have in turn reduced maternal and infant mortality.
“Many Kenyans have been calling for the return of the programme and the government has heard and heeded to their voices. The government cares about our mothers and children,” she added.
She further noted that the government is in the process of collecting views from the general public on how they would want the programme improved and called for Kenyans to give their input.
