Transition from NHIF to SHIF: Registration Requirements
The Ministry of Health is replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This new scheme aims to expand healthcare coverage and reduce costs for all Kenyans.
Under SHIF, employed Kenyans will contribute 2.75% of their monthly salaries, with a minimum contribution of Ksh.300. This differs from the NHIF’s structure, where employees paid between Ksh.150 and Ksh.1,700, and self-employed individuals paid Ksh.500.
SHIF Registration Requirements
All current NHIF members will need to re-register for SHIF. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha stated that registration could be done via phone, at public hospitals, or through the 100,000 Community Health Promoters nationwide. The required information includes:
- Personal Details:
- Name
- Employment type
- ID number
- Civil status
- Date of birth
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin
- Address and Contact Details:
- Physical address
- Personal and business contacts
- County of residence
- Postal address
- State of residence and ZIP code (for those abroad)
- Dependents’ Information:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Relationship to registrant
- Preferred Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
Registrants must sign the document to confirm the accuracy of the details or provide a right thumbmark if unable to write. Future updates to information, such as changes in marital status or dependents, can be made in the Updating/Amendment section.
Advisory from the Health Cabinet Secretary
During a pretest exercise in Marsabit County, Health CS highlighted the importance of necessary documents for registration, such as National Identification cards and marriage certificates.
Adults without IDs were advised to apply through the Ministry of Interior.Couples without marriage certificates should seek assistance from their chiefs for a letter confirming their marital status.
The nationwide registration exercise will begin on June 21. Kenyans can register via mobile phones, both online and through a USSD code.
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For those without mobile phones, community health promoters will provide assistance. Additionally, help desks will be set up at identified health facilities to aid those facing difficulties with self-registration.
On July 1, SHIF will officially launch, requiring Kenyans to contribute 2.75% of their gross salary and income. This marks a significant shift from the NHIF, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability across the nation.
Transition from NHIF to SHIF: Registration Requirements
