The Ministry of Health plans to reduce monthly contributions from the current Sh500 to Sh300. Experts however maintain that while the model may attract more members, it may not fully account for medical costs.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha reiterated over the weekend that reduced charges will attract more members.

“Sooner, we shall reduce the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) fee from the current Sh500 to Sh300,” said Ms Nakhumincha.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu County during the commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the CS added that the contribution model will change from individual to household.

According to the CS contribution at the household will ensure all family members receive healthcare when in need.
“If a man enrols for an NHIF card, it will cater for the wife and their children,” said the CS.

Susan called on governors to fast-track the issuance of birth certificates to speed up the process, saying lack of birth certificates hinders registration of people under the cover, more so, the elderly.

However, experts have criticised the move to change the contribution model at Kenya’s public health insurer from individual to household-based, saying it will not scale up the intended Universal Health Coverage.

“Household contribution could make it easier for them. They will share the payment for example Sh500 divided by 10 members of a family. But when it comes to medical cost, it is per individual which makes it hard for the fund to break,” said Prof XN Iraki, an economist at the University of Nairobi.

By Jane Kibathi.