Despite high registration for Social Health Authority (SHA), many Kenyans are reluctant to remit deductions to the scheme.
Appearing before the National Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Endebes MP Robert Pukose, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai revealed that out of 18 million registered members, only 4 million are actively contributing the mandatory 2.75 per cent deduction.
The most significant challenge lies within the informal sector, which accounts for approximately 80 per cent of the population, expected to remit their pay through means testing. "There is a disparity between the registered persons which is 18 million individuals against the four million who are actively contributing financially," the PS told the committee Kimtai explained that the financing gap has been caused by low contribution by the informal sector because of irregular income, limited financial literacy, and difficulty accessing formal financial systems. .Keep ReadingHow the social health scheme will improve access to quality careWhat to expect as NHIF paves way for SHAExperts warn SHIF deductions do not tally with expected benefitsConfusion as top officials snub SHA digital demonstration eventAt least 30 per cent of the population is also unable to afford contributions, that require government subsidy, and the indigents are being identified.
Pressed to explain how informal sector workers would be included, Kimtai revealed that SHA has adopted a multipronged approach.
