KENYA – The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has appointed Samson Kuhora as acting CEO with effect from March 14 as the term of the current CEO Peter Kamunyo comes to an end in April.

Kamunyo was appointed at the helm of the national health insurer in April 2020. for a renewable three-year term however, NHIF seems not to be interested in renewing Kamunyo’s tenure for another term.

“In light of above and aware of the major reforms underway at the Fund as part of the Kenya Kwanza’s transformative agenda, the Board has decided to open up the position of Chief Executive Officer for competitive recruitment exercise,” added the statement from NHIF.

“The recruitment to fill all vacant positions will commence in due course. The Board takes this opportunity to thank Dr Peter Kamunyo for his service.”

Kuhora is the current head of benefits designs and claims management at NHIF. He is a former CEO of MedSource Group Limited for three years.

He holds a Master of Science degree in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London. Prior to his master’s degree, he attained a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and surgery and a postgraduate diploma in Sexual Transmitted Infections and HIV Management, both from the University of Nairobi.

He also holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Insurance from the Kenya College of Insurance.

“It has been a remarkable journey that has seen the fund grow its membership, grow its revenue from a deficit to a surplus albeit small but applaudable,” said NHIF board chair Michael Kamau.

The government announced last month that it will roll out the National Social Health Insurance Fund by July 1 as part of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda as well as renaming it to National Social Health Insurance Fund (NSHIF).

According to the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, the new mode of insurance will be similar to putting up national fundraising that ensures any capable individual or person contributes to the scheme for the betterment of the other.

She likened the scheme to raising funds in a WhatsApp group or a social media platform saying the government was consolidating different agencies to raise the required funds.

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