Unconsented transition from NHIF to SHA is lawful- Ministry

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The Ministry of Health has addressed public concerns over the transition of National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) members to the Social Health Authority (SHA) without seeking their consent. 

Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai clarified that the transfer of all NHIF members to SHA is lawful, under “legal notice 147 of 2024.” 

"The law allows for the transition of all registered and verifiable NHIF members into SHA. This ensures continuity of coverage, and members are encouraged to verify and update their profiles, as well as add dependents, through our official SHA channels," said Kimtai. 

The statement followed public outcry after members received notifications of their automatic migration to SHA, even those who had not registered. The message read: "Your NHIF account has been migrated successfully to SHA."

The Ministry has repeatedly urged healthcare providers to ensure patients, especially those in level 1 to level 3 facilities, receive free care during the transition. 

Kimtai also said that patients admitted under NHIF packages before September 30 should be discharged using the NHIF system. He assured the public that no patient would be detained due to the ongoing shift to SHA.

To meet increased demand during the transition, the Ministry noted that its technical teams are working around the clock to improve service delivery. It reiterated its commitment to providing uninterrupted services, stressing that the SHA initiative aims to strengthen the healthcare system for all Kenyans.

"We are expanding our communication efforts through Community Health Promoters (CHPs), members of the National and County Government Administration, and health workers across multiple platforms," Kimtai added.

The Ministry also confirmed that all public health facilities, along with over 60 percent of private facilities, have been contracted by SHA to provide healthcare services without disruption.