Education PS Belio Kipsang has ordered the registration of all learners under the Social Health Insurance Finance(SHIF) before schools re-open in the coming week for the third term.
In a circular to regional directors, Kipsang said that the children will be registered under their parents cover as dependents.
“Registration of Kenyans to the social health insurance fund commenced on July 1, as a key enabler towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage. All school going children are therefore required to be registered as dependents of their parents before schools opening dates for third term 2024,” the PS said.
The directive is a relief to over 3.4 million learners who were left without a health cover when the Kshs4.5 billion EduAfya programme was stopped by the government in December 2023.
The SHIF registration can be done on sha.go.ke or by dialing *147#.
Under SHIF, all Kenyans above 18 years old will be required to make a mandatory contribution as from October 1, 2024. Kenyans will be required to pay 2.75% of their cross monthly income to SHIF every month
Billions of shillings from the contributions will be set aside for the Universal Health Coverage.
