Government Set To Increase NHIF Contributions To 2 Per Cent Of Income

The government plans on increasing NHIF contributions to boost universal health coverage (UHC), Health CS Sicily Kariuki has said.

According to the CS, employees might soon contribute 2 per cent of their income.

Better healthcare is under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda but Kenyans are dissatisfied with the new move because of the high cost of living.

NHIF has 6.5 million beneficiaries and the government is seeking to double the figure within four years under the UHC programme whose three key elements are: high-quality health services, financial protection against any hardship to users of health services which may arise from out-of-pocket payments and equity in access to healthcare in terms of geographic coverage and the range of available health services.

Salaried employees contribute mandatory premiums of up to Ksh1,700 every month while self employed individuals remit a voluntary Sh500 monthly.

Here are some comments from Kenyans online:

Hii big four ni wizi tu. Housing fund, now NHIF. Next ni agriculture fund then manufacturing fund.

— Edward K.M (@Edkamu) November 15, 2018

si wachukue 98% watubakishie hiyo 2% tukae tukijua tunafayia wezi kazi

— 🐢 ☜ Kichwa ♛ Kibov® (@Hanniballad) November 15, 2018

Sadly, some Kenyans don't rely on it as their first medical insurance cover. They rely on other private medical insurance schemes with better,prompt and reliable services. What happens to that group?

— Manuel (@SoulFestPro) November 15, 2018

Fuel was increased, cost of life increased, The few Kenyans who are struggling to pay NHIF there contribution is to be increased. Salaries are the same😨 this people running this Govnt are not serious or they are stupid.

— JIMALI (@WesleyDoe_) November 15, 2018

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