Why Parliament Legislated NHIF Obligatory
Members of Parliament on Tuesday, September 28 evening approved changes to the National Hospital Insurance Fund act which now makes it obligatory for every Kenyan above 18 years to contribute to the fund. Here is the reason for the new legislation,
Otieno Cynthia 
The changes to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) act is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta's agenda with regard to advancing affordable health care to Kenyans.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was one of the big four agendas for the Jubilee government during their second reign.
Their agenda was based on the fact that not less than one million Kenyan households get mediocre annually due to catastrophic healthcare expenditure.
Many Kenyans are also forced to either run a charity sale or sell part of their property to cater for medical bills.
Putting in mind that the cost of healthcare has risen tremendously due to sophistication in medical procedures and the increasing complexity of diseases, there needs to be a sustainable plan to guarantee quality yet affordable healthcare.
This is why Members of Parliament passed a new bill that will compel all Kenyans aged 18 and above to join and contribute towards the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The new bill will now require employers to top up contributions of employees who pay less than KSh 500 monthly or KSh 6,000 yearly.
The legislation will be applicable for both outpatient and inpatient services, as well as maternity, dialysis, cancer treatment, and surgery.
The other three agendas of the jubilee government were food security, manufacturing, and affordable housing.
