NHIF Starts Roadshows Eyeing Informal Sector in Nairobi

As part of the initiative to raise awareness, get input, and lower the number of defaulters in the sector, NHIF will begin its roadshows targeting the informal sector on Tuesday in Nairobi.

Board chair Michael Kamau and acting CEO Samson Kuhora will lead the caravan out of the NHIF offices.

The team will visit Kamujungi, Gikomba, Grogon, River Road, and Ngara on Tuesday in accordance with the schedule.

The team will meet with locals around Kwa Chief while visiting City Stadium, Landimawe, Industrial Area, Burma Market, Juakali, Shauri Moyo, Uhuru Market, Buruburu shopping center, and Kiambiu on Wednesday.

The roadshows will take place in Pipeline, Eastleigh, Jogoo Rod, Donholm, Taj Mall, and Mlango Kubwa on Thursday.

The caravan will then stop by Mutindwa, Umoja, Kangundo Road, Komarock, and Bee Centre on Friday before concluding with a free medical camp on Saturday at the Kariobangi matatu terminus.

“For the routes, we have not listed, we have the plan to visit them to ensure we have more people covered under NHIF,” Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing Phyllis Nyakiba said.

The roadshows will target the informal sector (Jua Kali) and attempt to raise awareness of the NHIF, its offerings, and the value of health insurance among the intended demographic.

According to a fund assessment published in January, 8.8 million Kenyans would have fallen behind on their monthly contributions by June 2022.

The NHIF receives voluntary contributions from members of the informal sector of Sh500 per month, while formal sector members make voluntary contributions ranging from Sh150 to Sh1,700 per month, depending on their pay levels.

The contribution will decrease for certain members, depending on their income, to Sh300 under the current proposal to have members contribute 2.7% of their income.

Typically, registered members who have fallen behind on their monthly contributions are prohibited from using their insurance benefits to pay for medical expenses.

NHIF mandates that members pay the arrears first if they have unpaid premiums, which forces them to pay the costs out of pocket.