Government is now offering to provide loans to Kenyans to enable them make contribution towards the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

The SHIF is a newly drafted health insurance program set to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Salaried Kenyans will continue making payments to SHIF through monthly deductions amounting to 2.75 percent of their gross salary.

As for the non-salaried Kenyans including; business persons a contribution model for them is still in the making.

Government, through the Ministry of Health now says that the SHIF 2023 Act will allow non-salaried citizens to make one annual payment towards the fund.

This payment will comprise 2.75 percent of their estimated gross income. Owing to the challenge of making one lumpsum payment, Health Ministry announced they would provide a platform where loans can be issued to struggling Kenyans.

In this plan, the Ministry of Health is set to collaborate with their counterparts in the Ministry of Co-operatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development to offer those loans.

Specific details of this proposal are yet to be ironed out as certain factors come into play such as; determination of ‘needy’ Kenyans, repayment plans, loan interest rates among others.

SHIF 2023 Act is expected to take effect in February this year. This followed a ruling from the Court of Appeal allowing its implementation.

The new health insurance program comprises of three categories namely; Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

Minimum contribution towards the fund was capped at KSh300 although the maximum payment is unspecified.

Following public participation, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha declared that they would go back to the drawing board to amend the maximum contribution aspect.

SHIF is part of a comprehensive healthcare reform package that includes the Digital Health Act, Primary Health Care Act, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act.