President Ruto signs 4 healthcare bills into law
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, October 19, 2023
President William Ruto on Thursday, October 19, signed into law four healthcare bills passed by Parliament recently.
The bills enacted into law are the Social Health Insurance Bill, Primary Health Care Bill, Facility Improvement Financing Bill, and Digital Health Bill.
Speaking during a brief ceremony hosted at State House Nairobi, President Ruto affirmed that the Social Insurance Act, 2023 would break down financial barriers to healthcare and address challenges faced by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The Act creates the Social Health Authority, replacing NHIF.
Through three new funds, including the Primary Healthcare Fund and Social Health Insurance Fund, President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration has promised to provide comprehensive coverage for all Kenyans.
On the other hand, the Primary Healthcare Act, 2023 focuses on preventive and primary healthcare services to address healthcare imbalances in Kenya.
The Head of State is expected to unveil Community Health Promoters during Friday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kericho County to support the initiative.
Through the Facilities Improvement Financing Act, 2023, the government is keen on bolstering public health facilities by providing financial and managerial autonomy, ensuring better resource management, service quality, and community involvement.
The Digital Health Act, 2023, on the other hand, provides a framework on how Kenyans can benefit from digital health services.
According to the government, the act will improve data sharing, set standards for e-health, and personalize patient care.
This, the government says, will enhance the quality of healthcare services and empower communities through telemedicine.
More taxes
The cost of the new services will, however, be shouldered by Kenyans through additional taxes. Kenyans working in the formal sector will be required to make a monthly contribution of 2.75 per cent of their earnings to support the services.
The minimum and maximum contributions are capped at Ksh300 and Ksh5,000 respectively.