New NHIF rates to take effect on October 1

• The new rates will see the contributions of high income earners in the formal sector go up by about 600 per cent from the current Sh320 to a monthly rate of Sh2,000.
• Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o said the move was aimed at expanding the current in-patient NHIF scheme to cover outpatient aspects such as laboratory services, drugs and minor surgery.
• Currently, all formal sector employees contribute a monthly flat rate of Sh320 but can only use the cover when ‘admitted’ at accredited NHIF hospitals.

Private sector employees will from October 1 start paying higher National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) rates, as the government prepares to roll out universal health cover for all Kenyans.

The new rates will see the contributions of high income earners in the formal sector go up by about 600 per cent from the current Sh320 to a monthly rate of Sh2,000.

Announcing the revised rates on Friday, Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o said the move was aimed at expanding the current in-patient NHIF scheme to cover outpatient aspects such as laboratory services, drugs and minor surgery.

The reviewed rates divided into 10 salary bands will see workers earning less than Sh5,999 contribute Sh150 and those receiving a gross pay of more than Sh100,000 contribute Sh2,000. (See table below)

Currently, all formal sector employees contribute a monthly flat rate of Sh320 but can only use the cover when ‘admitted’ at accredited NHIF hospitals.

Civil servants and members of the disciplines services will not be affected as they have a separate enhanced medical scheme that offers unlimited inpatient and outpatient cover.

Revised contribution rates