Ruto Signs 4 Bills Into Law, Including One Abolishing NHIF
The signing of the bills took place at State House during a publicised event held at its courtyard, a notable shift from the bill signing events which take place indoors in closed-door events.
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President William Ruto on Thursday, October 19 signed four Universal Health Coverage (UHC) bills into law.
The signing of the bills took place at State House during a publicised event held at its courtyard, a notable shift from the bill signing events which take place indoors in closed-door events.
The publicising of the signing of the bills, which was also televised, carries a major significance given that it comes a day before Mashujaa Day on Friday, October 20 in Kericho County where UHC is expected to be launched officially.
President Ruto who spoke after the signing of the bills, remarked that the country has made a huge step towards transforming its healthcare system.
President William Ruto signs four Universal Health Coverage Bills into law on October 19, 2023. /PCS
“Today we have made a significant step towards making healthcare universal for all Kenyans. I thank and commend the people of Kenya for actively shaping these laws through various public engagement platforms," stated Ruto.
"These laws will transform healthcare in Kenya, save lives, empower communities and make us a stronger and healthier nation."
The President acknowledged that the effort to sign the bills was not a single-person task and that it took a team of advisors as well as lawmakers in Parliament who contributed to the success of the bills.
He added that the plan was put together over the last two years, ahead of campaigns, adding that not many expected his plan to manifest into law.
"The people of Kenya talked loudly for a system that leaves nobody begins, where families do not lose their properties or savings due to illness," he said.
"My team of advisors was so committed to this plan, not forgetting the team in parliament who have delivered. I also want to congratulate the creativity of Parliament, MPs gave the amendment they wanted to the Senate and vice vasa to improve the quality of this law."
The bills include the Social Health Insurance Bill, the Primary Health Care Bill, the Facility Improvement Financing Bill, and the Digital Health Bill.
It is perhaps the Social Health Insurance Bill that carries the most significance since this is the one that abolishes the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) officially for the first time since 1966.
By revoking NHIF and replacing it, President Ruto seeks to attain UHC as set out within his plan for a healthier nation espoused under the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In place of NHIF, Ruto created three funds namely Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund, and Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund.
The Social Health Bill will now enable all Kenyans to access quality care, regardless of their financial status. This now means that Kenyans employed in the formal sector will make a monthly contribution of 2.75 per cent of their salary capped at a minimum of Ksh300 and a maximum of Ksh5,000.
The Primary Health Care Bill provides a framework for the management of healthcare networks and community health units.
The Facility Improvement Bill on the other hand will provide an accountable mechanism for the collection and management of funds raised from public health facilities.
The Digital Health Bill will digitize health services through a Comprehensive Integrated Management Information System (CIMIS). It will also enable the development of standards towards the provision of m-health, telemedicine, and e-learning in healthcare.
The bills already went through the Senate and the National Assembly.
Present during the event were Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, the leader of the Majority in Parliament Kimani Ichung'wah, and the Majority Whip Boni Khalwale, development partners among them, World Health Organization (WHO) officials.
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