National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has introduced new reforms that will require every household to make a monthly contribution of Shs 500.
In a bill by majority leader Amos Kimunya, employers will also make a similar contribution to the fund for their employees.
MPs have authorized heavy penalties for employers who decline to pay the fund or take away the contribution from their employees’ salaries.
The new reforms seek to safeguard employees from having to pay double subscriptions.
Through the NHIF amendment bill 2021, the lawmakers approved the new reforms marking the onset of the government’s goal to attain a health cover for all Kenyans.
“Contributions will be by all Kenyans from 18 years and above in both formal and informal sectors,” read the bill.
Meanwhile, the new reforms have received a public backlash, with various stakeholders arguing that the bill did not consider that most individuals aged 18 are unemployed.
By Everlyne Bosibori
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