Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-28 13:01:57
Polygamous families are facing new deductions under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), as men with two wives are now classified as two separate households by the Ministry of Health. This decision has stirred controversy and criticism from lawmakers who argue that it is discriminatory and overlooks the rights of individuals in polygamous marriages.
During a session with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Health, the Ministry of Health defended its decision, stating that the new regulation is aimed at creating equity among SHIF beneficiaries. Under the new health fund, men with more than one wife will have to pay a percentage of their gross salary for each household. For example, those with two wives will face a 5.5% deduction, while those with three wives will face an 8.25% deduction.
Despite this explanation, legislators have demanded that polygamous marriages should adhere to the same deduction criteria as monogamous relationships. MP Julius Sunkuli pointed out that treating a household with two wives as two separate households is unfair and goes against the laws of Kenya that allow polygamy. He emphasized that the definition of a spouse should not be limited to one spouse, highlighting the complexity of polygamous marriages.
The controversy surrounding the deductions for polygamous families comes amidst the Ministry of Health extending the deadline for deductions to July. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha announced that the registration for SHIF would commence in March and end on June 30. However, the Council of Governors criticized the Ministry for rushing to implement the fund without proper consultation, alleging that they were only informed about the new regulations after they were announced.
In response to the criticism, the Ministry of Health has been urged to make regulatory adjustments to ensure that polygamous marriages are treated fairly and in line with constitutional provisions. Lawmakers argue that polygamous families should not be penalized for their lifestyle choices and that the deductions should reflect the number of dependents in each household, rather than treating each wife as a separate entity.
Overall, the debate over the deductions for polygamous families under the SHIF highlights the complexity of addressing diverse family structures within the healthcare system. While the Ministry of Health aims to create equity among beneficiaries, it is essential to consider the cultural and legal nuances of polygamous marriages to ensure that they are not unfairly disadvantaged in accessing healthcare benefits.
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