The Kenyan government has issued a directive requiring all school-going children and students to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before the commencement of the academic year’s third term. This directive, issued through a letter dated August 16, 2024, by Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, targets students across the country and highlights the importance of registering under the SHIF platform as dependents of their parents.
SHIF Registration: A Constitutional Requirement
Dr. Kipsang emphasized that the requirement for students to register for SHIF is in line with constitutional mandates. The directive follows the development of an enhanced benefit package for the Edu Afya program, now covered under the SHIF. This program aims to provide comprehensive health coverage for students, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare services.
In his communication, Dr. Kipsang directed regional and county education heads to inform parents and schools within their jurisdictions about the registration requirement. The registration process is accessible through the SHIF’s official platforms, including the websites afyaangu.go.ke and sha.go.ke, as well as the USSD code *147#. Additionally, the Social Health Authority has provided a registration manual to guide parents and students through the process.
The registration requirement is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that all Kenyans, including children, are covered under the national health insurance scheme. Dr. Kipsang’s letter further notes that parents and guardians are constitutionally obligated to register their children as dependents under SHIF, underscoring the government’s commitment to universal health coverage.
SHIF’s Legal Hurdles
While the government’s directive is clear, it comes against the backdrop of legal challenges surrounding the SHIF. On July 12, 2024, the High Court declared the SHIF unconstitutional, citing a lack of public participation in the development of the new healthcare program. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Alfred Mabeya, Robert Limo, and Fridah Mugambi ruled that the Social Health Insurance Act was flawed, particularly in how it would impose an undue financial burden on salaried individuals.
Despite declaring SHIF unconstitutional, the court suspended its decision for 120 days, allowing Parliament to address the identified legislative issues. This suspension means that the total nullification of SHIF will not take effect until November 20, 2024. This ruling has put the government’s plans to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) with SHIF on hold, creating uncertainty about the future of the health insurance program.
The Impact on Students and Parents
The directive to register students for SHIF has sparked a mixed reaction among parents, educators, and healthcare advocates. On one hand, the government’s push for universal health coverage is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that all students have access to healthcare services. The Edu Afya program, which is now part of SHIF, aims to provide students with medical care, including outpatient services, inpatient services, and specialized treatments.
On the other hand, the legal challenges facing SHIF have raised concerns about the program’s sustainability and legality. Parents are particularly worried about the potential financial burden that SHIF may impose, especially if the legislative issues highlighted by the High Court are not resolved. The requirement to register students before the start of the third term has also raised logistical challenges, with some parents expressing difficulties in navigating the registration platforms.
Looking Ahead
As the November 20, 2024, deadline for the court’s suspension of SHIF’s nullification approaches, the government and Parliament are under pressure to address the legal and legislative issues surrounding the program. Failure to do so could result in the total collapse of SHIF, leaving millions of Kenyans, including school-going children, without access to the enhanced healthcare benefits that the program promises.
In the meantime, students and parents are expected to comply with the government’s directive to register for SHIF. As the third term of the academic year approaches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the country’s healthcare system and educational sector. The government’s commitment to universal health coverage, while commendable, will ultimately depend on its ability to navigate the legal and legislative challenges that have so far hindered the full implementation of SHIF.
