Ruto wants Kenyans c*mpelled to pay 2.75% of their inc*me to NHIF in new proposal

President William Ruto has today, Monday, June 26, 2023, made proposals for the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to enhance equality in payment.

In the proposal announced by the Head of State, Kenyans will pay the national insurer 2.75 per cent of their gross salary.

"A contributor in salaried employment shall pay a standard contribution at a rate of 2.75% of the gross monthly income derived from employment in the preceding month," the bill reads in parts.

"A contributor in self-employment shall pay a special contribution to the Fund at a rate of 2.75% of the declared or assessed gross monthly income of the contributor," the proposal added.

Unemployed Kenyans will be forced to part with Ksh1,000 every month in health coverage in a move meant to raise funds to achieve universal health coverage. Those earning less than Ksh300 will pay Ksh300.

"A contributor who is not employed or listed as an indigent person or vulnerable person shall pay a monthly contribution of one thousand shillings," the bill added.

In addition, the government affirmed that unemployed citizens who are considered vulnerable will not have to pay for insurance as the government will cater to them.

The proposal states that the payments should be made every ninth of every month failure to which one will have to suffer the consequences such as penalties.

"The state department responsible for social protection shall submit to the board a list of the indigent and vulnerable persons for whom the National Government is liable as a contributor. The amount payable by the National Government on behalf of indigent and vulnerable persons shall be Ksh13,300," the proposal reads in parts.