The government has rebranded the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to Taifa Care, President William Ruto said the term Taifa Care for the first time during his State of The Nation address in parliament on the 21st of November , underscoring its fundamental role in providing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to all Kenyans.

SHIF was officially launched on October 1, 2024, to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Throughout his speech, Ruto consistently referred to SHIF as Taifa Care, signalling a rebranding of the country’s new healthcare model.

Ruto noted that Kenyans had shifted from the National Health Insurance Fund model to Taifa Care.

During his Address to the Nation, President Ruto expressed confidence in the new health funding model stating that it will provide effective and efficient service to the public.

The head of State added that the repealed National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) only served a few salaried Kenyans at the expense of the majority who could not afford it.

“Under Taifa Care, citizens are eligible for all services upon registration. I urge every Kenyan to take the most important step in securing dependable healthcare for themselves and their families: register now or at the earliest opportunity,” Ruto remarked.

The President also pointed out that Taifa Care had a comprehensive benefits package that is easily accessible for Kenyans.

In the model, the State taps on 2.75 per cent of one’s gross pay, with a minimum contribution of Ksh.300. Employers are also required to remit the payments by the 9th of every month.

“Taifa Care has undertaken an accurate costing of all healthcare-related goods and services, in order to provide timely, effective and efficient service to everyone,” he added.

Ruto noted that over 15 million Kenyans have currently enrolled in Taifa Care and 60 per cent of employers had successfully transitioned into the system.

“Once the transition from NHIF is complete and SHIF becomes fully operational, Kenya will have a healthcare system that guarantees dignity, peace of mind and equitable access for every citizen for the very first time in our 60 years of independence,” the president said.

Since its rollout on October 1, 2024, the public has raised concerns over SHIF’s effectiveness; citing that the new system locks out thousands of patients from accessing healthcare services.

Critics have also accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of rushing to roll out a Ksh.104.8 billion system that was full of missteps, questioning why the government ignored all the signs of imminent trouble.

He also pointed out that Taifa Care had a comprehensive benefits package that is easily accessible for Kenyans.

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