NHIF Announces 10% Penalty Waiver On Monthly Contributions For Self-Employed Kenyans: "Pay Now"

• President William Ruto's administration proposed changes to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) requiring all Kenyans above 18 years to contribute
• NHIF announced a penalty waiver on self-employed Kenyans who fail to remit their monthly contribution of KSh 500 on time
• The announcement sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some asking about the proposal to reduce the monthly contribution to KSh 300 for self-employed people

Self-employed Kenyans who remit their National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) monthly contribution late will now be charged KSh 50.

This followed a move by NHIF to introduce a 10% waiver, reducing the monthly penalty from the current KSh 250.

NHIF monthly contribution for low-income Kenyans

"Act now to take advantage of this offer. We are here to support you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance," NHIF said.

The government proposed new changes in the NHIF monthly contributions that would see all Kenyans above 18 years contribute to the medical scheme.

President William Ruto said the new proposals will allow self-employed Kenyans or those earning below KSh 300 per day to contribute KSh 300 per month.

"We have formulated the proposals, and we will take them to parliament to ensure we reduce NHIF contribution for low-income earners," said Ruto.

Kenyans slam NHIF over Ruto's proposals

Kenyans reacted to the announcement by the national health insurer, with the majority asking what happened to the KSh 300 monthly contribution.

@a0172249cf0e417 asked;

"Active from when? You need to update the systems because at times we go to branch and get different information."

@MargaretMu49028 commended;

"This is good news."

@thomas_tororei said;

"The president promised to reduce the monthly contribution."

@OmariRaynson argued;

"Zakayo said itakuwa 300bob as from July, July is ending today."

@GeorgeOyie12950 asked;

"How about the monthly payment?"

Civil servants decry increased salary deductions

The announcement came at a time Kenyans continue to feel the hit from new taxes under the Finance Act 2023.

In July 2023, civil servants cried out over reduced salaries in the months following the introduction of the new National Social Security Fund (NSSF) monthly contributions.

They called for a salary increase as directed by Ruto, failure to which they will down their tools.