The Kenyan Cabinet has approved three bills that will repeal the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and establish three new funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.
The move is intended to address problems emanating from the NHIF, which has been criticized for being inefficient and for not providing adequate coverage.
The Primary Healthcare Fund will provide basic healthcare services to all Kenyans, regardless of their income or employment status.
The Social Health Insurance Fund will provide comprehensive healthcare services to Kenyans who are employed and can afford to pay premiums.
The Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund will provide financial assistance to Kenyans who suffer from emergency, chronic, or critical illnesses.
The bills will now be sent to Parliament for debate and approval. If they are passed, the new funds will be established in 2024.
The changes to the healthcare system in Kenya are part of the government’s plan to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).