In a country where medical bills often push families into financial ruin, the rollout of Taifa Care could not have come at a better time. The new universal healthcare program is already transforming access to quality health services, with 19.5 million Kenyans now registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Taifa Care is the overarching term for the program, which administers healthcare through three main funds. The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), supported by monthly member contributions, covers services at Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals. Meanwhile, the government fully funds the Primary Healthcare Fund for outpatient services at Level 2 and 3 facilities, as well as the Emergency and Critical Care Insurance Fund.
The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA has been rapid, with nine million Kenyans successfully migrated. However, for Taifa Care to achieve its full potential, timely registration and contributions are essential. Currently, only three million formally employed Kenyans and one million in the informal sector are actively contributing to SHIF. With a minimum premium of just Sh300 per household, a more flexible payment system potentially daily or weekly could encourage more informal sector workers to participate.
The success of Taifa Care is evident in cases like Mama Njeri, a 65-year-old trader from Githurai, who was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. After enrolling in Taifa Care upon admission at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, she paid Sh1,030 as per the Means Testing Instrument. Her hospital bill of Sh89,650 was significantly reduced, with SHIF covering Sh22,400. This case demonstrates how timely enrollment can ease financial burdens for vulnerable Kenyans.
Several counties have made remarkable progress in registration, with Mombasa (51.2%), Bomet (42.2%), and Elgeyo Marakwet (41.8%) leading the way. However, for true universal health coverage to be realized, more Kenyans must register and contribute regularly.
In response to growing healthcare demands, the government is reviewing the benefits package under Taifa Care. If approved by Parliament, ICU and HDU benefits will increase from Sh4,300 to Sh28,000 per night, while oncology care will rise from Sh400,000 to Sh550,000. Additionally, ongoing digital health training for over 11,000 healthcare workers is set to enhance service delivery.
With emerging disease threats like mpox, polio, and Ebola, timely access to healthcare is more critical than ever. Taifa Care represents a crucial step in securing Kenya’s health future one that requires timely action from every citizen.
