The Ministry of Education has issued a directive requiring all learners to register with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before the commencement of the third term.

In a circular to regional and county directors of education, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang emphasized the importance of this registration.

“Registration of Kenyans to the Social Health Insurance Fund commenced on July 1, 2024, as a key enabler towards the realisation of Universal Health Coverage,” Belio stated.

“All school-going children are therefore required to register as dependents of their parents before school opening dates for third term 2024.”

Students are required to register as dependents of their parents under the SHIF scheme, which is set to replace the existing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

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This mandate comes as a relief to thousands of learners who were left without health insurance following the government's termination of the EduAfya school insurance scheme.

The new scheme will require all Kenyans over the age of 18 to make mandatory contributions to the SHIF.

The government has allocated substantial funds to support universal health coverage through these contributions. Kenyan workers will contribute 2.75 per cent of their gross monthly salary to the SHIF starting from October 1.

Individuals without a source of income will be required to pay a minimum of Sh300 per month.

Section 47 of the SHIF outlines the digitization requirements for the scheme, including member registration, contributions, facility empanelment, contract execution, claims management, and settlement.

The section also mandates that every Kenyan shall be uniquely identified for health service delivery, and that digitization processes must comply with relevant data protection laws.