All basic education students will be required to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) as dependents of their parents before the third term begins on August 26.
“All school going children are therefore required to register as dependents of their parents before school opening dates for 3rd term 2024,” reads a circular seen by Education News, dated August 16 and signed by the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department of Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang’.
The circular announced that the State Department for Medical Services and the Social Health Authority had introduced a benefits package for Edu AFya which will now be included under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Dr. Kipsang’ instructed all regional and county education directors to ensure the notification reaches all parents and schools within their jurisdictions.
“This is therefore to ask you to communicate this information to all parents and schools under your purview that they ensure all students are registered to Social Health Insurance Fund,” said the PS in the circular.
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This move aligns with Section 26 of the Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023, which requires all Kenyans, including children, to register as members of the Social Health Insurance Fund.
“The Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023 was enacted on October 19, 2023 and commenced on November 22, 2023. Section 26 of the Act provides that every Kenyan, including children, shall register as a member of the Social Health Insurance Fund. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, State Department for Medical Services through the Social Health Authority has developed an enhanced benefit package for Edu Afya to be covered under the Social Health Insurance Fund,” reads the circular.
By Frank Mugwe
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