Mandatory SHIF Registration for School Children Before Reopening.
As the new school term approaches, the Education Ministry has issued a directive requiring all school-going children to register with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This mandatory registration, which must be completed before the schools reopen next week, marks a significant shift in Kenya’s healthcare coverage for students. SHIF is set to replace the current National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and aims to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the country.
Mandatory SHIF Registration for All Students
Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang emphasized the importance of registering students as dependents under their parents’ SHIF accounts. This new requirement follows the discontinuation of the EduAfya insurance scheme, which previously covered over 3.4 million students but ended on December 31, 2023. As a result, many students were left without health insurance. The SHIF registration process began on July 1, 2024, and is seen as a critical step in achieving UHC in Kenya.
Parents and guardians must ensure their children are registered before the new school term begins. The registration process can be completed online through the SHIF portal or via a designated USSD code. This initiative provides a much-needed solution for students who have been without health coverage since the termination of the EduAfya scheme.
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SHIF Contributions and Impact on Kenyan Households
The new SHIF scheme requires all Kenyans aged 18 and above to make mandatory contributions. Starting October 1, Kenyan workers will contribute 2.75% of their gross monthly salary to SHIF. This change will significantly increase the contributions of top earners, especially in an economy already strained by the high cost of living. For those without a regular income, a minimum monthly contribution of Sh300 will be required.
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The government’s goal with SHIF is to create a substantial funding pool to support UHC. This fund will cover a range of services, including member registration, facility empanelment, contract execution, and claims management. The registration process will utilize reliable and secure technology, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 2019. Every Kenyan will receive a unique identifier for health service delivery, further enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Key Takeaways
The mandatory registration of school-going children with SHIF marks a new era in Kenya’s healthcare system. As the EduAfya scheme ends, SHIF steps in to fill the gap, ensuring students receive necessary health coverage. Parents must complete the registration process before the upcoming school term. Additionally, all Kenyan adults must contribute to SHIF, with deductions beginning in October. This initiative aims to secure a robust funding pool for Universal Health Coverage. In turn, this will ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing essential health services.
Mandatory SHIF Registration for School Children Before Reopening.
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