Why Governor Kang'ata Has Rejected The Social Health Insurance Fund

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced that his administration would not use the government’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

In a statement on Sunday, June 16, Governor Kanga’ta said his administration would outsource medical cover for Murang’a county employees and the Kang’atacare from the private sector.

He explained that the SHIF would not offer an enhanced benefits package and last expense coverage.

“Starting in October 2024, the County plans to outsource employee medical cover to the private sector, as SHIF will not include an enhanced benefits package.

“Additionally, Kang'atacare's last expense cover will also be outsourced, since SHIF will not offer enhanced last expense coverage. Procurement of this cover is in high gear,” read the statement in part.

The UDA Governor noted that the transition from NHIF to SHIF has disrupted service provision for Murang’a County employees seeking for medical services.

He noted that an estimated 400 families in Murang’a are awaiting the last expense payouts from NHIF adding that he is negotiating with the fund to fully restore the services during the transition.

“The County currently has two schemes under NHIF: Employees Enhanced Medical Cover and Kang'atacare. During this transition period, there have been disruptions in service provision for employees seeking medical services and Kang'atacare beneficiaries seeking last expense reimbursement. Approximately 400 families are awaiting last expense payouts,” he added.

The Ministry of Health is expected to roll out the SHIF starting July 1, 2024, in place of the current NHIF scheme.

Under SHIF, Kenyans will be required to contribute 2.75 percent of their income to the fund with the lowest income earners required to pay Sh 300 per month.