Workers must not be forced to pay more for health scheme

• First, according to a report by Deloitte Consulting Limited, there is need for NHIF to widen the scope of contributions. The government, through the Ministry of Medical Services and the Ministry of Finance, should consider other sources of funds to supplement workers’ contributions.
• The government cannot do everything, but it can create an enabling environment, set policies and structures, to fast-track the achievement of universal health care as per the Millennium development Goals. (MDGs).
• Indeed, the Kenyan workers are heavily taxed by the government, the income and wealth discrepancy is on a record high and unchallenged in the world over. Kenyan workers have reached a breaking point and should not be pushed further.
• For a country to develop its citizens should be left with adequate disposable income, enabling them to spur growth through vibrant trade and expenditure. Kenyans are experiencing too much government virtually dictating our everyday lives.

For the last four months, we have been treated to theatrics in the ongoing politics and mudslinging that have of late been synonymous with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). To all the actors, kindly spare us your uncanny manoeuvres.

First, according to a report by Deloitte Consulting Limited, there is need for NHIF to widen the scope of contributions. The government, through the Ministry of Medical Services and the Ministry of Finance, should consider other sources of funds to supplement workers’ contributions.

Possible sources include tax funding from the general pool by the government through the Consolidated Fund. Matters of health are weighty and deserve national status; the government should therefore be fully involved.

The recent example is the United States of America where the Obamacare initiative is hotly debated, and could influence the November elections.
Secondly, the government should subsidise or consider tax exemption on VAT and withholding tax for NHIF.

Burden

This ensures that the burden is made lighter in the view that health is a collective responsibility and cost sharing between the State and its citizens should be the order of the day.

The new Constitution entrenches certain basic rights including the right to healthcare and education. As a result, the new Constitution vests the burden on the government.

The government cannot do everything, but it can create an enabling environment, set policies and structures, to fast-track the achievement of universal health care as per the Millennium development Goals. (MDGs).

Indeed, the Kenyan workers are heavily taxed by the government, the income and wealth discrepancy is on a record high and unchallenged in the world over. Kenyan workers have reached a breaking point and should not be pushed further.

For a country to develop its citizens should be left with adequate disposable income, enabling them to spur growth through vibrant trade and expenditure.

Kenyans are experiencing too much government virtually dictating our everyday lives.

Lastly, corruption has its tentacles deeply rooted in the system. In June, Kenyans were shocked by revelations of grand corruption involving ghost clinics that swindled our taxes.

Kibet is a Certified Public Accountant