National
Hospital Insurance Fund
(NHIF) has dominated Kenyan news since May 1st (Labor Day), when
Trade Union Secretary General Francis Atwoli issued a strike notice of 14 days
because of proposed increase in NHIF contributions and threatened to reveal
those behind NHIF corrupt deals.
Since then the Drama that ensued is very absurd just at the
Nation Media puts it. See attached links for more information and related
stories.
Medical Services Minister Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o is now being
called upon to step aside to pave way for investigations. Actually there is
need for proper investigation into the matter by Government Auditor General as
suggested by Hon. Martha Karua.
I agree with all those who are calling for Prof. Anyang’
Nyong’o to step aside, however we have seen other Ministers whose Ministries
have been found with scandals staying put even when called to step aside. A
good example is the former Minister of Education Prof Ongeri when he refused
completely to step aside when there was a major scandal in the ministry. He was
supported by the PNU side of Government and to-date nothing happened. Because
of the public Hospital Funds involved this NHIF issue cannot be wished away
soon, Kenyans are also annoyed by the proposed high NHIF rates to be deducted
from salaries and it was a great relief when the high court yesterday postponed
the deductions.
As we are nearing elections Kenyans are watching all
Government institutions keenly, because it is known that during elections
politicians need money for campaigns. Therefore any new proposals or
appointments like the one affecting Transport Minister Amos Kimunya are
subject to a lot of scrutiny and criticism.
NHIF is important to most Kenyans but high deductions will only burden many employers/employees who already have other medical insurance schemes.
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