This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
On January 1, 2020, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) had introduced new rules that sparked widespread criticism from Kenyans and politicians alike. In response, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation from Mombasa County, calling for the halting of these new rules.
According to the president, the move will pave the way for further consultations following public outcry. The proposed rules had angered Kenyans, making it more difficult for them to access medical services via NHIF.
Politicians, including Murang'a Woman Rep Sabina Chege and Kiambu MP Jude Njomo, had also requested for the rules to be reversed. They termed the regulations 'retrogressive and punitive.'
The proposed rules would have required new members to pay Sh1,500 and wait for two months to start using the card to access medical services. The waiting period for new members' cards to mature would have also been extended to three months, delaying the benefits for voluntary contributors.
The move by NHIF would have caused major damage to itself and to Kenyans who are members and those intending to be. In fact, the proposed rules would have crippled President Kenyatta's healthcare agenda.
President Kenyatta's directive stops NHIF from implementing the new packages that had taken effect on January 1, 2020. This decision is a significant victory for Kenyans who were opposed to the new rules.
