New Government Taskforce Formed to Modernize Health Insurance

Health experts report that the Kenyan government has established a transition committee to oversee the shift from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly formed Social Health Authority (SHA) and its Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The committee is mandated to ensure a seamless transition by developing operational guidelines, auditing pending NHIF liabilities, and putting in place stronger financial controls to improve accountability. According to SHA, stricter claims processing systems are already being introduced to reduce wastage and corruption.
As part of the modernization, the government is also implementing digital solutions: real-time tracking of claims, faster reimbursements, and a health information management system under the Taifa Care reforms. These changes are meant to make the health insurance scheme more efficient and equitable.
The taskforce is particularly focused on ensuring that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is accessible to low-income earners, with flexible contribution rates and a model that links payments to income.