CS Nakhumicha launches committee for NHIF to Social Health Authority transition

KENYA—Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha has officially launched the Social Health Authority’s Transition Committee.

This committee, which was constituted by a gazette notice on January 26, 2024, would be in charge of ensuring a smooth transfer from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly established Social Health Authority.

The event represents a key step forward in the execution of the Social Health Act of 2023, which requires all NHIF members to register with the Social Health Authority under the Social Health Insurance Fund.

Members of the Social Health Authority Board of Directors, including Chairman Timothy Olweny and interim CEO Elijah Wachira, were present.

The committee will be led by Kap-Kirwok R. Jason, who will be responsible for ensuring a smooth transfer from the NHIF to the Social Health Authority.

Other committee members include Dr. Daniel Mwai, Dr. Kipruto Chermusoi Chesang, Dr. Jacinta N. Wasike, Gladys Wambui Mburu, and Stephen Kaboro Mbugua.

Others include Dr. Elizabeth N. Wangia, Christopher Leparan Tialal, Dr. Jacob Otachi Orina, and Dr. Stanley Bii.

Last week, Nakhumicha stated that the team had been entrusted with developing a roadmap for a smooth transition to the Social Health Authority.

She allayed Kenyans’ anxieties that they would be forced to make new contributions after the authority took over by declaring that no member who had previously paid NHIF would be asked to pay again upon registration.

She went on to say that she was aware that some people pay annually, and it is up to the transition committee and the Social Health Authority to ensure that that payment is converted into SHA without requiring the member to pay again.

This came following allegations that several Kenyans had ceased contributing to the NHIF, concerned that their money would be lost once the new body took over.

Under the new Social Health Act of 2023, a person who was formerly a member of the defunct NHIF must re-register with the Social Health Authority as a member of the Social Health Insurance Fund.

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