(Nairobi) – President William Ruto has officially rebranded the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to Taifa Care.
This new system, which was launched in October 2024, aims to offer Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and is designed to ensure that even the most vulnerable people in Kenya have access to quality healthcare services.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address, Ruto emphasized that Taifa Care would play a crucial role in providing effective healthcare services to all citizens. He noted that the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) model only served a small portion of the population, primarily salaried employees, leaving out the majority who could not afford the insurance.
Under the new Taifa Care system, workers contribute 2.75% of their gross salary, with a minimum payment of Ksh. 300, while employers are required to make their contributions by the 9th of every month. Ruto assured the public that once they register for Taifa Care, citizens would have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including a wide range of healthcare services.
“The most important step for every Kenyan is to register now and secure dependable healthcare for themselves and their families,” Ruto urged. He also mentioned that the government had carefully calculated the costs of healthcare-related services to ensure that the system would provide timely, effective, and affordable services for everyone.
The rollout of Taifa Care has seen significant progress, with over 15 million Kenyans enrolled in the program, and 60% of employers transitioning to the new system. Ruto stated that once the transition from the old NHIF system is complete, Kenya will have a more equitable healthcare system that guarantees dignity and peace of mind for all citizens.
However, the introduction of Taifa Care has not been without criticism. Some members of the public have raised concerns about the system’s effectiveness, arguing that the new model has left many patients unable to access the healthcare services they need. Critics have also accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of rushing to implement a system worth Ksh. 104.8 billion without addressing potential challenges.
Despite these concerns, President Ruto defended Taifa Care, emphasizing that the new health insurance system is more inclusive and efficient than the old NHIF model, which had struggled with accumulated debt. According to Ruto, Taifa Care is designed to be a cost-effective solution that can offer high-quality healthcare services to the entire population.
The President also explained that Taifa Care would focus on providing services to the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, can receive the healthcare they deserve. He described the shift from NHIF to Taifa Care as a fundamental change, aimed at meeting the broader needs of the Kenyan population.
Ruto encouraged Kenyans to take full advantage of the health insurance benefits offered by Taifa Care, which is now seen as a key step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage for all citizens.