President William Ruto has announced that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions will commence on March 1, as part of the government's efforts to lower the cost of healthcare in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Ithanga Irrigation and Water project in Murang'a County on Thursday, February 15, Ruto said that four new laws in the health sector had been enacted to facilitate the implementation of SHIF.
He also revealed that the monthly contributions to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) would be reduced from Sh500 to Sh300 for most Kenyans, while the government would cover the costs for those who cannot afford to pay.
"An assessment will be done to determine who qualifies for the subsidy, so that every Kenyan can access healthcare services without straining," Ruto said.
Ruto's remarks come a month after the Court of Appeal lifted a ban on SHIF, which had been challenged by various stakeholders as unconstitutional and unfair.