By Kabaraji Richard
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Susan Nakhumicha has affirmed the government’s commitment to enhance access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.
Speaking at Mitume Catholic Church in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, the CS said the newly enacted health laws will go a long way towards enhancing the crucial sector.
She also dismissed fears that Kenyans will have to pay more to access health services under the new laws that President William Ruto recently assented to.
“Let nobody lie to you, with the new bill, you will not be charged anything to access health services in Level Two and Three facilities,” Nakhumicha said.
“Kenyans who have no meaningful employment will only contribute Ksh300 for the health insurance from Ksh500 they were paying,” she added.
The CS further asked Kenyans to come out in large numbers and give their views on levies to be charged under the new pieces of legislations in the Health Sector.
New health laws
The laws which are being subjected to public participation on levies to be charged from 1st December, 2023 include the Primary Health Care Act 2023 which provides for construction of community health facilities for each of the 5,000 citizens in the grassroots levels, Social Health Insurance Act 2023, the Digital Health Act 2023 and the Facilities Improvement Financing Act 2023.
CS Nakhumicha also defended the Kenya Kwanza administration over claims of over taxation with new payment model for Health Insurance.
“Let nobody lie to you that this government is overtaxing you. We are just streamlining the law for equity as the contribution has been capped at 2.75 percent of the gross monthly pay which will see a reduction at the contribution on Kenyans who earn between Ksh10,000 to Ksh50,000 as well as a slight increase to Kenyans who are blessed like me and earn something near to a six figure,” she noted.
In addition, the health CS said needy Kenyans who prove they cannot contribute to the fund will be paid for by National and County.
Registration for such individuals is is ongoing.
“Nobody will be left behind as we intend to wind up NHIF by October 2024 with all assets being moved to the social health insurance fund with hospitals,” the CS said.
On claims that the Linda mama program targeting pregnant women had been abolished, Nakhumicha said “those moving with fake information that we have abolished Linda mama should stop as my ministry has allocated Ksh4.8 billion for the program.”
