Voi Senior Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Daniel Nduti has called on local chiefs and assistant chiefs in Voi to hasten community engagement as the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) approaches, with an advancing deadline of October 1.
During a meeting held at his office on Friday, DCC Nduti and Assistant County Commissioner James Oleseneiya discussed crucial actions required for effective community registration.
The session focused on ensuring that all residents, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, are registered to gain access to vital public health services under the new system.
Oleseneiya stressed the necessity of precision during the registration process to prevent any interruptions in healthcare access.
He highlighted that the SHA and SHIF are designed to include marginalized groups such as the poor and informal sector workers who were previously excluded from NHIF benefits.
“The transition from NHIF to SHA aims to provide equitable healthcare access, offering essential services, including primary and emergency care, irrespective of one’s employment status,” Oleseneiya stated.
The SHA initiative introduces a three-tier funding model that comprises the Primary Healthcare Fund, backed by government contributions, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which relies on household contributions, and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), also supported by government funding.
Salaried individuals will contribute 2.75% of their gross income, with a minimum payment of Ksh 300 monthly, while non-salaried individuals will contribute based on their household income.
DCC Nduti instructed the chiefs to prioritize the registration of among other community members, the vulnerable groups, including children in local orphanages.
He cautioned that failing to register in the new system could result in citizens being denied access to critical health services once the transition takes effect.
“The new system is meant to be inclusive, but it is imperative that we mobilize our communities promptly to meet the registration deadline. We must ensure that no one is overlooked,” Nduti emphasized.
Previously, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had committed to deploying National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to assist in the registration process and ensure that the new health system is accessible to all citizens.
“Each regional commissioner will oversee their respective areas. Daily reports from your regions will be your responsibility. The same applies to every County Commissioner and DCC. If we collaborate effectively, we can meet the goal of registering 12 million households,” Kindiki noted.
Following a recent meeting with Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on September 25, Kindiki announced that NGAOs would coordinate efforts to register 12 million households as part of the Kenya Universal Health Coverage Policy, while also leading grassroots awareness initiatives to mitigate financial barriers to healthcare access.
“CS has indicated that the target is approximately 12 million households, and I believe we can easily achieve this. We need to simplify the information to ensure it is easily understood at the grassroots level,” he remarked.
Kindiki also reassured that the necessary legal frameworks are in place to avoid complications during the implementation of SHA.
Health CS Barasa echoed his sentiments, expressing confidence that the registration target of 60% would be accomplished through the NGAOs’ coordinated efforts.
She reiterated the significance of the SHA system in reducing healthcare costs and urged all Kenyans to participate.
“I encourage each of you to serve as ambassadors for the Social Health Authority and Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that comprehensive health services are available to all Kenyans without financial burden,” Barasa added.
In addition to health matters, DCC Nduti reminded the chiefs about the forthcoming national examinations, urging them to ensure a smooth administration process in their respective areas.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining law and order, particularly in addressing the ongoing issue of illicit brews within the community.
The meeting was attended by 20 chiefs and assistant chiefs from various locations in Voi Sub County.
