In a significant advancement toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Kenyan government has officially transitioned from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), effective Tuesday.
This change follows the enactment of the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act 2023, which aims to enhance healthcare access and quality for all citizens.
Under the new law, every Kenyan citizen, including their dependents, is now required to register as members of the SHA. This transition is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that all individuals in Kenya have access to essential healthcare services without facing financial hardship.
The NHIF officially ceased operations, with its final admission date being September 30, 2024, and SHA benefits commenced immediately thereafter.
As part of the transition process, citizens are encouraged to make timely contributions to avoid any disruptions in their health coverage.
Payments made to the NHIF will still be credited if received on or before October 9, 2024. However, any payments received from November 9, 2024, onwards will be directed to the SHA.
In Kajiado County, local health officials are taking proactive measures to ensure a smooth transition to the Social Health Authority.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Alex Kilowua, along with the Manager of the SHA branch in Kajiado, Peter Litemu, has been leading training sessions for healthcare facilities on how to navigate the SHA Employer Portal.
This portal will be the primary tool for managing employee contributions and claims under the new system.
During a press briefing in Kajiado, Kilowua reported significant progress in the registration of SHA.
“We have been able to configure the devices that will assist us in both the registration and claims processes for our hospitals, particularly focussing on primary healthcare in dispensaries and Level 3 health centres,” he said.
Kilowua revealed that so far, a total of 51 out of 134 healthcare facilities in Kajiado County have successfully registered with the SHA.
However, the CECM voiced concerns regarding the number of devices allocated to the county, stressing that they remain insufficient for the effective execution of the new system.
He called on the national government through the Ministry of Health to address this shortfall to ensure a complete and efficient transition.
Litemu emphasized the importance of training healthcare facilities on the claims process, assuring the public that the old NHIF system will continue to handle all other functions except admissions.
“We are training the facilities on how to claim so that no one will be stranded. This dual approach aims to facilitate a seamless transition while maintaining continuity in healthcare services,” he explained.
Winfred Moreti, a patient at Kajiado Referral Hospital, shared her hopes for the new system’s efficacy.
“I really hope SHA will be able to help the people like NHIF was helping us. They should make sure it continues the good work NHIF was doing,” she stated.
As Kenya embarks on this transformative journey, the establishment of the Social Health Authority signifies a crucial step toward ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare.
By Ismael Kikon
