Gov’t to clear NHIF arrears for hospitals owed Ksh10M and below

The government has unveiled a plan to settle the Ksh33 billion debt left by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In a statement, President William Ruto announced that hospitals owed Ksh10 million and below, representing 91% of facilities previously contracted by NHIF, will receive full payment immediately.

Ruto added that hospitals with larger claims, representing 9% of health facilities, will undergo a verification process within 90 days before a settlement plan is finalised.

“The remaining 9% of hospitals, with total claims above Ksh10 million, will be subjected to a verification exercise that should be completed within 90 days, after which a payment plan will be agreed on,” said Ruto.

The head of state said Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa will gazette the verification committee within a week.

Ruto noted that the accumulated debts over the past 10 years have severely affected service delivery in public, faith-based, and private hospitals limiting their ability to operate effectively.

“By the time NHIF was wound up on November 22, 2024, it had a whopping debt of Ksh33 billion, affecting the ability of health facilities to provide services under the Social Health Authority (SHA),” he said.

Ruto assured Kenyans that ongoing challenges in implementing Taifa Care are being addressed to ensure seamless healthcare services.