The Kenya Kwanza administration of President William Ruto has suggested raising Kenyans’ monthly contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Ruto wants Kenyans to be required to pay 2.75% of their gross income into health insurance in order to achieve the goal of inexpensive and high-quality universal health coverage.
“A contributor in salaried employment shall pay a standard contribution at a rate of 2.75% of the gross monthly income derived from employment in the preceding month.
“A contributor in self-employment shall pay a special contribution to the Fund at a rate of 2.75% of the declared or assessed gross monthly income of the contributor,” the bill reads in part.
Unemployed Kenyans will contribute 2.75% of their monthly salary to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under the proposed National Health Insurance Fund Regulations, 2023.
If a person’s monthly salary is less than KSH 300, they must also give KSH 300 to the NHIF.
Another significant change is the KSh 1000 health insurance contribution required of Kenyans who are unemployed and have no other source of income.
“A contributor who is not employed or listed as an indigent person or vulnerable person shall pay a monthly contribution of one thousand shillings,’ the bill states.