State officers face pressure to rely on SHIF under new proposal

A new proposal seeking to end privileged medical treatment for top government officials and instead require them to rely solely on the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is now before Parliament.

The plan, if passed, would force State officers to use public hospitals and services under SHIF, aligning them with the healthcare experiences of ordinary Kenyans.

The motion, presented in the National Assembly, recommends that all State officers, including lawmakers, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and heads of parastatals, should no longer depend on the current Public Officers Medical Scheme.

This scheme currently pays for a wider range of services, including those beyond SHIF limits, and has often included costly overseas treatments.

"This House therefore resolves that the Government through the Ministry of Health implements the Kenya Universal Healthcare Coverage Policy 2020-2030, and introduces a policy on mandatory use of public health care facilities by all civil servants, public officers and State officers in the country," reads part of the motion, which was tabled by nominated MP Sabina Chege on Wednesday.

If adopted, the policy would shift the focus of healthcare spending, reduce taxpayer costs, and ensure more resources are directed to improving SHIF services.

Proponents of the motion argue that once State officers are required to use the same system as the rest of the population, they will become more invested in making it work.

Currently, SHIF provides health coverage for millions of Kenyans, but its services are frequently criticized for delays, poor facilities, and denied claims.

With many top government officials having little to no reliance on SHIF, efforts to streamline and fund the system have often been half-hearted.

Critics believe this lack of accountability contributes to the ongoing weaknesses in the fund’s operations.

Supporters of the motion argue that shifting State officers to SHIF would be a strong incentive for Parliament to allocate enough resources to the fund, ensure proper patient admission processes, and improve the handling of claims.

The move is also seen as a way to improve overall trust in the public healthcare system.

In contrast, the Public Officers Medical Scheme allows access to high-end treatment options, including private hospitals and medical evacuation abroad.

This has created a wide gap in healthcare quality between the political class and ordinary Kenyans, who often face overcrowded wards and medicine shortages.

The proposed change would reduce dependence on these costly medical privileges and could channel more funds to local facilities.

However, the success of the motion is uncertain.

There are fears that lawmakers, who benefit from the current arrangement, could unite to oppose it.

The resistance is expected to come from those who are not willing to give up the comfort and efficiency of private medical care.

Past efforts to streamline SHIF have faced delays and limited political support, mainly due to the fact that many decision-makers do not rely on the fund themselves.

Kenyans have frequently raised concerns that public officials are not committed to fixing SHIF because they are not personally affected by its failures.

The introduction of mandatory use of SHIF for State officers is seen as a way to fix that disconnect and force those in power to experience the system as regular citizens do.

The motion also touches on the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

The Kenya Universal Healthcare Coverage Policy 2020–2030 lays out a vision of accessible, quality healthcare for all. For this to be realized, advocates say that leadership by example is critical.

If passed, the policy would also be a landmark move toward ending double standards in healthcare access and could mark a turning point in how the country handles medical care for its public officials.