Trans Nzoia County Launches Enhanced County NHIF Program for Vulnerable Families
The Mt Kenya Times 
Residents of sikhendu ward in Trans Nzoia county lining to give out the 90kg bag of maize to during the launch of "90 Kilograms of maize for each house" to be enrolled into the enhanced NHIF county program
By Sefu Sabila
Worth Noting:
- “In terms of insurance we as a county we are very much behind. Out of 100 people only 16 have an insurance cover. As a county, we are working extremely to raise the 16% to 70% together in collaborating with the people.” The governor stated.
- The program, funded by the initiative “90 Kilograms of maize for each house”, in the program, each family will contribute a 90kg bag of maize yearly, to be fully covered by the program. The governor further said, the complete identified vulnerable households unable to raise the one bag of maize, will be covered under the Natembeya Care.
Governor George Natembeya launches county insurance health cover (NHIF) program, which is set to provide crucial healthcare support to vulnerable households in the county.
The cover will have families access free out and and inpatient medical services at the county’s public hospitals. Speaking during the launch in Sikhendu, Kimilili Constituency, the governor said, the program will reduce the gap of health provision among residents of Trans Nzoia.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to offer free out and inpatient medical services at our public hospitals to a minimum of 10,000 identified vulnerable households. These families will be able to access a wide range of medical services, ensuring their healthcare needs are met comprehensively.” Governor George Natembeya said.
During the campaigns, in his ten point agenda for the people of Trans Nzoia, governor Natembeya pledged to provide quality healthcare, accessible and affordable. Noting during the launch, the governor said the insurance percentage of Trans Nzoia county stands at 16 % which he says through the county program will increase from the standing 16% to 70%.
“In terms of insurance we as a county we are very much behind. Out of 100 people only 16 have an insurance cover. As a county, we are working extremely to raise the 16% to 70% together in collaborating with the people.” The governor stated.
The program, funded by the initiative “90 Kilograms of maize for each house”, in the program, each family will contribute a 90kg bag of maize yearly, to be fully covered by the program. The governor further said, the complete identified vulnerable households unable to raise the one bag of maize, will be covered under the Natembeya Care.
“Since maize is what we have as Trans Nzoia, we will use it to get services, we want to ensure that our people have money, food and can also access medical services in our hospital through their produces.” The governor said.
“This year we are targeting to get 10,000 bags, which translate to 10,000 families. As we move forward, the allocated budget for this enhanced NHIF cover is expected to reach approximately Sh.40 million. This financial support will be a vital lifeline for those vulnerable households who have struggled to afford even basic necessities like a bag of maize due to the burden of poverty.” Governor Natembeya further explained.
With the governor positive of the success of the program, expressed his commitment to improving healthcare services to the residents of Trans Nzoia, curbing families from selling properties to lay medical bills and the struggles that come with financing health services.
“I understand the financial strain that medical bills can place on families, often forcing them to make difficult choices. The NHIF cover will provide relief and ensure that healthcare no longer comes at the cost of selling one’s possessions. I believe that this program is a long-overdue step towards improving the lives of our less fortunate residents.” He said.
The governor also directed government officials to shun from getting themselves forested land set aside by the government for wananchi to plant, saying they are under watch. He further encouraged residents to demand services as they are fundamentally entitled to healthcare services from county employees, as they are paying for it.
The county is currently witnessing development in the health sector, including the completion of Kijana Wamalwa Memorial Teaching and Referral Hospital, to the construction of the Mother baby unit at Tom Mboya Health Facility in Tuwan Ward Saboti constituency.
The county was earlier this week ranked among top counties in the country, which has improved in service provision to the residents including health and development. Governor Natembeya was also ranked top performing governor alongside Homabay governor Gladys Wanga.
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