Kenyans might soon start paying more for their monthly National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) contributions.

This will happen if the proposed changes by the draft National Health Insurance Fund (Contributions) Regulations, 2022 are passed by the National Assembly.

The Ministry of Health and NHIF published the regulations on February 16. 

In the proposed changes, Kenyans earning more than Sh100,000 will have to part with 1.7 per cent of their gross salary.

This means Kenyans earning Sh100,000 will pay Sh1,700 each month. Those earning Sh150,000 will part with Sh2,550, while those with salaries of Sh200,000 will pay Sh3,400 a month.

For those with salaries amounting to Sh300,000 and Sh400,000, their fees will be Sh5,100 and Sh6,800, respectively.

Kenyans earning Sh500,000 and Sh1 million will have to pay Sh8,500 and Sh17,000, respectively.

In the current regulations, the maximum NHIF contribution is capped at Sh1,700 per person.

The rates for Kenyans earning below Sh100,000 will remain the same.

Other changes proposed in the draft regulation are; proof of NHIF cover must be produced before accessing any government services. 

It also proposes a fine of Sh20,000 for adult Kenyans (18 years and above) that will not enrol on the fund.

"A person who does not register as a member commits an offence and shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding Sh20,000."

The proposed National Health Insurance Fund (Contributions) Regulations, 2022, is part of a raft of measures being put in place by the health ministry to ensure the Universal Health Coverage is achieved. (Edited by Mercy Asamba) By Brian Oruta, The Star