Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) registration will commence on July 1, 2024.

 On Friday, Nakhumicha highlighted that Kenyans can utilize the USSD code *147# or visit the Social Health Authority (SHA) website to access the free self-registration process.

"This will be conducted countrywide through self-registration by use of a USSD *147# or www.sha.go.ke, assisted registration by Community Health Promoters, visiting the NHIF Offices and other registration points as the SHA board will designate. Please note that registration is free."

Additionally, she elaborated that the Ministry of Health has formulated and circulated the new tariffs and benefit package for public review and stakeholder feedback in compliance with the SHI Act.

"In compliance with the SHI Act, the Social Health Authority Board has requested and received from the regulatory bodies the list of empanelled facilities that will facilitate the SHA Board to initiate contracting for purposes of service delivery ahead of the rollout."

She added that, in response to the Finance Bill 2024 being withdrawn, which aimed to fund the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund and allocate funds for indigents and vulnerable persons, the Ministry is now adjusting its plans to reflect this development.

"The Ministry is reworking to align to this reality. Therefore, the existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until we roll over to SHA," said Nakhumicha.

Nevertheless, she assured Kenyans that those who have been enjoying healthcare services under NHIF will not be denied any services during this rollout phase.

“ I call upon all facilities to continue offering services to Kenyans and assure them that all claims will be verified and settled."