Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-22 17:02:23
Kenyans are set to undergo compulsory registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and as part of the process, they will be required to provide their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). This was outlined in the draft Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, which was published by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha on Wednesday, February 21. The regulations also emphasize the need for mobile phone numbers to be included alongside the PINs.
In addition to the PINs and mobile phone numbers, Kenyans will also have to specify their employment status during the registration process. The government has provided four options for employment status, including employed, self-employed, sponsored, and organized group. Furthermore, individuals will need to provide details about their marital status and physical location, including county, sub-county, ward, and postal address.
The regulations specify that the registration process will be carried out nationwide within 90 days after the regulations are passed. Applicants will be required to submit their applications in Form 1 along with a copy of their national identification document. For individuals without a national identification document, the regulations allow for the submission of other approved documents.
Upon successful registration, the Authority will notify the applicant within fourteen days, and beneficiaries will be required to provide their biometric data at a designated service point.
The regulations also provide for mobile registration for individuals who are sick, persons with disabilities, the elderly, persons under lawful custody, and marginalized communities.
In comparison to the previous regulations in 2023, the recent regulations no longer include a clause that required individuals to show proof of registration before accessing government services. This requirement had been a point of contention during the public participation process. The earlier regulations had stipulated that individuals without insurance coverage would be denied key government services, including access to student loans, acquisition of identification documents, and registration of marriages, among others.
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has invited Kenyans to take part in the national validation of the draft regulations, which is scheduled for Monday, February 26 at the KICC. It has been reported that the regulations, which propose a 2.75 per cent deduction on salaries and income, could come into effect as early as March 1.
Overall, the draft Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, outline the mandatory registration process for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the specific requirements that Kenyans will need to fulfill during the registration process. The regulations also address changes made following public participation, and the government’s plans for the implementation of the regulations.
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