This archive report was first published on 29 August 2021.
As of mid-June, NHIF Chief Executive Peter Kamunyo had directed beneficiaries to enroll for a biometric registration exercise aimed at speeding up services delivered by the fund. However, the response has been lukewarm, with only 300,000 people taking up the offer, representing just 30% of all NHIF beneficiaries.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has urged the 47 counties to mobilize their residents to enroll for the service, stating that once registered, individuals should not fear accessing any health facility for services.
Wamalwa made the remarks during a tour in Bungoma County, where he emphasized the importance of the registration exercise. He also noted that the exercise had set back the state Ksh6 billion in taxpayers' money.
The directive was part of the new changes under the mandatory Ksh500 premiums for all households proposed by the institution. The mandate was made by a special task force constituted by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe to help the fund strategize.
Part of the resolutions from the task force includes the introduction of a biometric and electronic claims system, with more services expected to be added under the cover.
Out of the 10.4 million Kenyans registered on the platform, only 5 million are active contributors, with most being either formally salaried or suffering from chronic illnesses.
