Blow to Ruto as High Court declares SHIF null and void

By Peter Ochieng

The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) has been declared unconstitutional by the High Court.

In declaring the Fund which seeks to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) unconstitutional, a three judge bench gave Parliament 4 months to make amends to the SHIF Act.

Justices Alfred Mabeya, Robert Limo and Fridah Mugambi directed Parliamant to undertake public participation before enacting the Act.

The judges ruled that the Act as it stands, would overburden few salaried Kenyans in ensuring that SHIF runs smoothly.

If the orders are not taken into action within 120 days, the judges added that the Act shall remain suspended, with the official nullification set for 20th November, 2024.

The government had already directed Kenyans to begin registering for SHIF effective July 1, 2024, ahead of the official transition on 1st October, 2024.

The Court order comes a week after President William Ruto utilized Twitter Space last Friday to unveil healthcare reforms aimed at fortifying Kenya’s healthcare system.

Responding to concerns from his engagement with young people, President Ruto assured the nation of his commitment to resolve intern doctors’ arrears.

“I met with their leadership personally and committed to clearing their arrears by year-end,” he affirmed.

Highlighting the government’s focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), President Ruto announced a substantial increase in healthcare funding, particularly emphasizing enhancements to the Linda Mama program.

“Under UHC, we’ve boosted coverage to Ksh 11,200 and raised support for caesarian deliveries to Ksh 32,200,” he detailed.

In a significant policy shift, President Ruto disclosed plans to transition from NHIF to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to ensure comprehensive coverage for all Kenyans.

“SHIF will replace NHIF, addressing its limitations."