SHIF Desks to be Created at All Huduma Centres

It is a sigh of relief for Kenyans as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Justin Muturi, issued orders on Monday for all Huduma Centres across the country to establish desks for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Speaking at the Huduma Centre in Kapsabet, Nandi County, where he had gone to assess the quality of services provided to Kenyans, Muturi directed that all Huduma Centres set up dedicated SHIF desks.

“I recognise that there has been confusion around SHIF and the Social Health Authority (SHA). To bridge this gap, I have directed that all Huduma Centres across the country establish SHIF desks,” the CS ordered.

He said the orders were informed by the need to have Kenyans receive swift services to hasten the uptake of universal health care through SHIF.

Given that affordable healthcare, under universal health coverage (UHC), was a cornerstone of Kenya Kwanza’s manifesto during the 2022 campaigns, the CS noted the creation of SHIF desks would be instrumental in providing much-needed explanations and registration services to Kenyans.

“The move is to ensure every Kenyan can easily access information and register for this transformative program.”

During the tour in Kapsabet where the SHIF desk was already operational and serving the community effectively, Muturi was pleased with the impact SHIF desks can have in creating awareness of the insurance fund.

While acknowledging the challenges of transitioning from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), Muturi banked on SHIF desks to hasten the transition. According to the Ministry of Health 15, 559,426 Kenyans were registered with the new Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme as of November 28.

He also acknowledged the public’s uncertainty about the program, highlighting the need for clarity and accessibility near Kenyans.

“The Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development is working on policies to ensure all Huduma services are offered and delivered within the shortest time possible,” he added.

The SHIF program was officially launched on October 1, 2024, as part of the government’s universal healthcare agenda.

The latest reference to SHIF as Taifa care has further fuelled confusion as Kenyans are not informed. In his State of the Nation address on November 21, President William Ruto referred to the SHIF program as Taifa Care.