George Natembeya: Trans Nzoia residents to contribute 90kg bag of maize annually for NHIF

Trans Nzoia residents will have to contribute 90 kilogrammes of maize annually to enrol in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Governor George Natembeya said the proposal is aimed at shielding residents from the financial burden of accessing health.

How the new NHIF promotes economy

Speaking during a free medical camp at Namanjalala on Friday, December 29, Natembeya noted that good health is the foundation for active participation in development, for the betterment of his administration’s economic plan.

“I have proposed a unique barter system: one 90-kilogram bag of maize for annual NHIF cover. This aims to shield our residents from the financial burden of healthcare, preventing illness from pushing them into poverty.

“A healthier and educated population is the cornerstone of a prosperous Trans Nzoia, and I’m proud to be leading the charge in making this vision a reality,” said Natembeya.

Advertisement

Natembeya encouraged Trans Nzoia residents to utilize public health facilities, not just for treatment but also for regular checkups.

What are the new NHIF changes?

This followed the move by the government to repeal the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha gazetted the regulations to operationalise the Social Health Insurance Act.

The new regulations stated that those without SHIF membership proof would be denied government services.

“A person who is registrable as a member under this Act shall produce proof of compliance with the provisions of this Act on registration and contribution as a precondition of dealing with or accessing public services from the national and county governments,” the regulation stated in part.

The Social Health Authority is set to manage the new Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme and oversee three funds: Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Primary Healthcare Fund, and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illnesses Fund.

Funding of SHIF is stipulated to come from premium contributions from the formal and informal sectors. The other two funds will be financed by the government through taxes, donations, and gifts.

All Kenyans above 18 years old are now required to become members and contributors to the SHIF. Employees in the formal sector, private and public, will contribute 2.75% of their salary to the health fund, while those in informal employment will part with up to KSh 500 per month towards the scheme.