Students across Kenya have been directed to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before the start of the third academic term this year.
In a letter dated August 16, Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang instructed regional and county education heads to ensure that all school-going children are enrolled in SHIF as dependents of their parents, as the Constitution requires.
Dr. Kipsang emphasized that through the State Department for Medical Services, the Ministry of Health has introduced an enhanced benefit package under the Edu Afya program, now covered by SHIF. He urged that all learners register on the SHIF platform before the third term's commencement in 2024.
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Parents and students can complete the registration process via the official SHIF website, afyaangu.go.ke, or by using the USSD code *147#. Alternatively, registration can be done through sha.go.ke. For additional assistance, the Social Health Authority's call center can be reached at 0800720601, or via email at [email protected].
The SHIF registration process began on July 1, 2024, under the leadership of former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. However, on July 12, the High Court declared SHIF unconstitutional due to a lack of public participation in the new healthcare program's development.
The ruling, delivered by a three-judge bench consisting of Justices Alfred Mabeya, Robert Limo, and Fridah Mugambi, also highlighted concerns about the financial burden on a small group of salaried individuals due to disparities in contributions under the new Social Health Insurance Act.
The court's decision to nullify SHIF has been suspended for 120 days to allow Parliament to address the legislation's flaws. The nullification will take effect on November 20, 2024.
