Government to accelerate Universal Health coverage through NHIF reforms

Uasin Gishu, 

Friday, 22 December, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has said that the government is committed to offering Kenyans affordable and all-inclusive public health insurance through a revamped National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) policy. 

Ruto said that NHIF reforms will accelerate the smooth implementation of the Universal Healthcare coverage programme. 

The head of state made the remarks on Friday when he distributed Christmas gifts to residents of Turbo Constituency and neighbouring areas at his Sugoi home, Uasin Gishu County. 

“No Kenyan will have to sell their property to access healthcare,” he committed . 

President Ruto emphasized that Kenya's who have not been formally employed will be compelled to support their NHIF cover with a Ksh. 300 monthly contribution, down from a previous Ksh 500 insisting that the Government will not cover the insurance for anyone. 

Furthermore, He urged Kenyans to take advantage of the Hustler fund initiative to build sustainable life enterprises. 

Ruto Noted that the Affordable Housing Programme has provided employment for 120,000 Kenyans and the government will continue with the implementation of job creating projects. 

In Agriculture and Food production, the President noted that the government will implement reforms that will increase productivity. 

The reforms have so far increased food productivity by 40% this year as compared to last year. 

"I want to thank farmers for taking advantage of reforms, including the reduction of fertiliser prices from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500. We will continue to reform the sector to further improve production," he said.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), several MPs and MCAs.