The government has announced that it will fully settle health facility claims of Ksh10 million and below, contracted by the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
President William Ruto announced on Wednesday that these claims affect public, faith-based, and private hospitals and account for 91 per cent of the total NHIF facilities.
However, President Ruto noted that hospitals with claims exceeding Ksh10 million will undergo a verification process, which is expected to be completed within 90 days. Following the verification, a payment plan will be established.
“The remaining nine per cent of hospitals, with claims over Ksh10 million, will undergo a verification exercise that will be completed within 90 days, after which a payment plan will be agreed upon,” stated President Ruto. “The Cabinet Secretary will gazette the verification committee within a week.”
In an effort to resolve the ongoing issues at the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), the government also pledged to settle all pending arrears monthly.
To date, Ksh18.2 billion in undisputed claims has already been paid.
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“Under the Social Health Authority, current claims will continue to be paid within a month. To date, SHA has paid all undisputed claims lodged from October 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, totalling Ksh.18.2 billion,” the President added.
President Ruto reassured Kenyans that the government is fully committed to providing Universal Health Coverage for all citizens, emphasizing that any challenges with the Taifa Care system are being addressed and resolved.
Since its launch in November 2024, Taifa Care has faced criticism over system failures in hospitals, with many calling for its abolishment.
However, President Ruto defended the new digital healthcare system, stating that it is essential in eliminating the fraud that once crippled NHIF.
“The negative publicity surrounding SHA is driven by those who exploited NHIF’s loopholes, siphoning up to 40 per cent of the fund,” Ruto said.
“No amount of propaganda will push the government to reinstate NHIF and allow fraudsters to continue looting public funds.”
By Joseph Mambili
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