The government has launched the National Health Insurance Fund,  a significant step towards transitioning to the new Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking during the launch, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Transition Committee and collaborating ministries.

 She underscored the pivotal role of health financing in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), singling out the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, and establishing funds under SHA as key milestones towards this goal.

The CS emphasized the importance of the verification exercise in guaranteeing an effective transition without compromising service delivery.

She pointed out that the transition should be invisible to NHIF beneficiaries, except for the anticipated improvement in service quality.

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The verification exercise targets identifying assets and liabilities held by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) across its headquarters, branches, satellites, and various Huduma Centers before transferring to SHA.

According to Nakhumicha, the process will ensure a smooth transition to SHA by ensuring that NHIF services remain uninterrupted during the transition period.

The Ministry wants to start implementing SHA by July 1 after successfully registering Kenyans into the new health system.

In January 2024, the ministry set up a 10-member committee led by Kap Kirwok Jason to probe NHIF assets, liabilities, and any outstanding pension and benefits before its winding up and transition to SHA.