As the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) officially launched last Tuesday, the government is calling for a concerted effort from employers and employees alike to ensure comprehensive participation in this vital health initiative.

With health benefits now contingent upon proper registration, the onus is on employers to declare their employees for eligibility under the Social Heal Authority (SHA) scheme.

During a recent training session aimed at Human Resource Professionals within the Public Service, Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Medical Services, highlighted a concerning statistic: only 120,620 employees have been registered by just 15,588 employers.

This significant gap presents a challenge, as many workers risk being denied essential healthcare services due to incomplete registrations.

In his address, Kimtai stressed the importance of timely declarations, stating, “We urge Human Resource Practitioners to declare their employees on the employers' portal to guarantee their eligibility to benefit under the Social Health Authority. Employees who are not declared cannot access services even if they have self-registered.”

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This message serves as a crucial reminder of the collaborative effort required to ensure that all employees can access the health services they deserve.

In light of this, employees are encouraged to verify their registration status with their Human Resource departments to avoid being left vulnerable when healthcare is needed most.

The call to action resonates particularly as the SHA has already seen 12.7 million Kenyans register, with 1,442 healthcare providers prepared to offer services to registered members.

To streamline the registration process, the government has outlined a clear procedure for employers.

Initially, they must log into the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) portal using their unique credentials.

Following this, they are to confirm their NHIF registration details and upload necessary documentation, including business registration and KRA PIN certificates.

Employers will then provide contact details and save the record, triggering an email for password setup.

The final step involves uploading employee details, allowing the system to verify their registration status and generate a reference number for payment processing.

For employees eager to register on their own, the SHIF can be accessed easily via the website (sha.go.ke or afyangu.go.ke) or by dialing *147#.

This initiative represents a significant step towards expanding health coverage in Kenya, as the government aims to ensure that every citizen has access to vital healthcare services.

The rollout of the Social Health Authority marks an important chapter in Kenya's healthcare landscape, aiming to enhance access and equity for all citizens.

As both employers and employees navigate the registration process, it is crucial for compliance to be prioritised to fully realise the benefits of the initiative.

The government's call for swift action underscores the collective responsibility shared by all stakeholders to ensure that the health needs of the population are met.

As the SHIF continues to expand, ongoing collaboration and communication will be essential in fostering a healthier future for all Kenyans.