Kenya is gearing up for a significant leap in healthcare accessibility as President William Ruto has confirmed the full rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, starting October 1, 2024. This move aims to ensure every Kenyan can access healthcare without financial barriers, following initial delays that pushed the launch from July to October this year.
The registration for SHIF membership kicked off in July, setting the stage for a comprehensive healthcare transformation nationwide. President Ruto, speaking in Kajiado County, assured that under UHC, no Kenyan will have to pay for medical services at any hospital. This coverage extends to all health conditions, including chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
To help people enroll smoothly, the government has deployed community health promoters. They are assisting citizens in registering through a simple USSD code *147# or the SHIF online portal. All that’s needed for registration is basic information like your National ID and contact details, making it accessible to everyone.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha highlighted the steady progress of SHIF registration and urged Kenyans to sign up early to be ready for the comprehensive healthcare services launching in October. The programme aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access, ensuring even those previously underserved by existing systems benefit.
President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to fair healthcare access for all Kenyans, regardless of their financial situation. With preparations advancing for the October rollout, stakeholders anticipate a significant improvement in public health outcomes across the country.
Photo source: Google
By: Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
11tth July, 2024
