New NHIF rates for workers in Kenya kick in today

NAIROBI: At the end of this month, you will contribute more towards the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the new rates come into force today.

NHIF Board Chairman Mohamud Ali said Tuesday the new rates would be implemented as scheduled despite a trade union having gone to court to have the rates suspended.

The case was filed by the Trade Union Congress of Kenya on March 11.

"The group which went to court did not get any restraining orders from the court. That is why we will go ahead with the new rates. The case had similar arguments to previous ones that had been determined by the court," he said.

The new rates will see those earning a gross monthly salary of Sh5,999 and below paying Sh150 monthly while those earning Sh100,000 and above will part with Sh1,700.

Employees earning between Sh6,000 and Sh7,999 will pay Sh300 while those making between Sh8,000 and 11,999 will pay Sh400. Workers earning between Sh12,000 and Sh14,999 will fork out Sh500 while those making between Sh15,000 and Sh19,999 will pay Sh600.

Previously, salaried workers' contributions ranged between Sh30 and Sh320 based on the gross monthly salary, while pensioners and the self-employed contributed Sh160.