SHIF Training Halted as Unauthorized Kenyans Crash Virtual Session

The Ministry of Health had to stop its training before the launch of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) on Friday after unauthorized Kenyans joined and disrupted the session.

As news of the session spread, curious Kenyans joined in large numbers, causing chaos and forcing the trainers to halt the presentation. Participants were heard shouting "We reject" and singing solidarity songs, compelling the speaker to stop. Attempts to remove the unauthorized attendees proved unsuccessful, and a subsequent alternative online session faced similar disruptions. Some Kenyans have defended the interruption, arguing that the training was unlawful due to a court ruling that had previously declared the new health scheme unconstitutional. This incident occurred shortly after the Appellate Court granted the Ministry of Health permission to proceed with the SHIF rollout, stating that the new health plan was justified.

The Court of Appeal's decision followed a High Court ruling that had declared the Social Health Insurance Act unconstitutional, citing insufficient public participation in its establishment. A three-judge bench had identified disparities in the Act that rendered it invalid, giving Parliament 120 days to amend it. The SHIF, intended to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to all Kenyans. The Ministry of Health has been conducting nationwide training sessions to educate health workers and the public about the new scheme. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and other senior officials have been leading these efforts as part of the government's broader strategy to digitize healthcare services and ensure universal health coverage.

The new scheme promises several enhancements, including full digitization, biometric verification, independent accreditation, an expanded benefits package, and reduced monthly premiums from Sh 500 to Sh 300. Additionally, the government has committed to paying insurance premiums for vulnerable populations, including the poor and those in custody. Despite the recent disruptions, the Ministry of Health remains committed to the SHIF rollout, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and education regarding the transition from NHIF to SHIF.

As of early September 2024, over 861,000 Kenyans had registered with SHIF, and nearly 10,000 health facilities had been licensed to provide services under the new scheme. The Ministry of Health has also been working on improving the overall healthcare infrastructure in the country, including the development of a national preparedness and response plan for various health emergencies. This includes measures to detect and control the spread of mpox, which was confirmed in Kenya in July 2024 with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.