This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
Published on January 11, 2020, the new regulations by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) requiring Kenyans to pay more for medical cover have sparked sharp reactions from leaders in Nakuru County.
According to Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, the new rules are meant to increase the woes of the already overburdened Kenyan society. Wangari stated that the NHIF board did not follow procedure while issuing the regulations, terming them as illegal.
Wangari emphasized that the board ought to have consulted widely before coming up with such rules, citing the constitution as clear on the procedures to follow. She promised to raise the issue in Parliament and questioned the integrity of those who decided to come up with the rules.
Wangari also questioned the NHIF's decision to only cover five kids and below, leaving families with more kids to bear the burden. She posed, 'Are they trying to discriminate against them?'
She further criticized the NHIF's decision to require Kenyans to pay upfront for one year, with the cover only starting to work after two months, stating, 'You cannot tell Kenyans to pay upfront for one year and then the same cover will only start working after two months, this is illegal and should be condemned from all quarters.'
Wangari was speaking when she handed over cheques to tens of students who are joining Form one and various colleges valued at Ksh 6M at CDF offices in Gilgil town.
