By Cynthia Masibo
The Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) and the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN Kenya) have jointly called out the government over challenges in the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The two organizations raised alarm during a press briefing yesterday, highlighting systemic gaps in the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
In their statement, the two legal advocacy organizations emphasized that the shift has disrupted access to healthcare services, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and low-income households. They warned that this could jeopardize the constitutional right to health, guaranteed under Article 43 of Kenya’s Constitution, and called for urgent government action to address these issues.
FIDA-Kenya and KELIN Kenya underscored that while the SHIF was designed to streamline healthcare access and promote universal health coverage, its rollout has revealed critical shortcomings. These include delays in registration, inadequate communication with the public, and an unclear operational framework, all of which have hindered equitable access to healthcare.
“The transition from NHIF to SHIF was supposed to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure universal access. Instead, it has exposed glaring systemic gaps that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our society,” said FIDA-Kenya in its remarks.
Echoing these sentiments, KELIN Kenya expressed concern over the exclusionary nature of the ongoing transition process. The organization emphasized that vulnerable populations, particularly those living with chronic illnesses like HIV, have reported difficulties in accessing the care they require due to delays and disruptions in SHIF’s implementation.
“Health is a fundamental human right, and any reform in health financing must ensure that no one is left behind,” stated KELIN Kenya, adding that the SHIF must prioritize equity and inclusivity in its operational design.
Both organizations noted that the shortcomings of the SHIF violate Article 43 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees every individual the right to the highest attainable standard of health. They stressed that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, the SHIF risks undermining Kenya’s progress toward achieving universal healthcare, a key pillar of the government’s development agenda.
“The right to health is non-negotiable. The current gaps in the SHIF structure not only hinder access but also violate the constitutional mandate to ensure equitable and affordable healthcare for all Kenyans,” the joint statement read.
FIDA-Kenya and KELIN Kenya urged the government to conduct an independent audit of the SHIF’s operations to identify and address the challenges that have emerged since its inception. They also called for a more participatory approach involving civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and citizens to ensure the SHIF fulfills its mandate.
They further recommended that the government immediately address delays in service provision and develop clear guidelines to ensure a seamless transition for patients previously covered under the NHIF.
“With proper oversight and collaboration, SHIF has the potential to transform healthcare access in Kenya. However, the existing challenges must be resolved swiftly to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations,” the organizations said.
As the government faces growing pressure to address these issues, the advocacy by FIDA-Kenya and KELIN Kenya highlights the urgent need to align the SHIF with its intended goal of universal health coverage. For now, the future of accessible healthcare under the new framework remains uncertain, leaving millions of Kenyans in limbo.
Mt Kenya Times