William Ruto Insists Kenyans Must Pay New High SHIF Rates: "Liwe Liwalo"

 

President William Ruto has insisted that Kenyans must bear the brunt of the newly increased SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund) rates. William Ruto said the new SHIF rates will benefit Kenyans at the lower level. Why William Ruto vowed to defy court orders  Ruto reiterated that the elevated rates were essential to bolster the country's healthcare system and ensure its sustainability.  Speaking in Meru county on Thursday, January 25, the head of state said he would defy court orders against the implementation of the scheme despite growing concerns among citizens about the looming financial burden. "Those who have gone to court to block the new rates are conmen and crooks. The programme will go with or without court orders whether they like it or not. We cannot allow them to block us from lowering contributions for hustlers," Ruto said. Subscribe to watch new videos How much will Kenyans contribute? New regulations published by Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha indicate that current National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) members must register afresh on SHIF. The new scheme will be managed by the Social Health Authority Board chaired by Timothy Olweny, and the rate charged is 2.75% of gross salary. Kenyans earning a gross salary of KSh 50,000 will contribute KSh 1,375, up from KSh 1,200, while those making over KSh 100,000 will see their amount increase from KSh 1,700 to KSh 2,750. High-income earners taking home a gross salary of KSh 500,000 will part with KSh 13,750, up from KSh 1,700. Those with gross pay of KSh 1 million will contribute KSh 27,500 to the scheme. However, those earning KSh 20,000 monthly will see their contributions slashed from KSh 750 to KSh 550. What is SHIF? Employee contributions will primarily fund the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). It'll be established to finance universal healthcare, augmented by a new emergency, critical and chronic illness fund and a new primary healthcare fund funded primarily by government allocations. A new Health Insurance Authority will administer funding and public healthcare benefits, with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) set to be wound down by October 2024.

by  Japhet Ruto