This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
On January 14, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta suspended the implementation of new National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) regulations, just days after they were announced.
The move came after widespread criticism from Kenyans, including unions and politicians, who expressed concerns that the changes would lock out millions of workers from the health cover scheme and discourage people from joining it.
According to the proposed rules, individuals who voluntarily join the scheme would have to wait for three months before accessing scheme benefits, and pay a year's contribution of Sh6,000 in advance within the three months.
Defaulters would also be required to pay a one-off fee for one year and wait for three months before accessing medical services in preferred hospitals.
President Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Health to immediately halt the implementation of the proposals to allow for further consultations.
"Given my administration's commitment to provide affordable health, I am today directing the Ministry of Health to immediately halt implementation of these proposals to allow for further consultations," he said in a speech.
