Kirinyaga locals to benefit from free NHIF cover

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru gestures during registration for the NHIF medical cover in Kutus on May 4, 2018. Some of the groups that will benefit from the free medical scheme are the elderly. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The scheme purposes to alleviate the burden of seeking treatment.
• Waiguru cautioned boda boda operators against fanning crime and being negatively exploited by politicians.

By JOSEPH WANGUI
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At least 124,000 families in Kirinyaga County will gain from a National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) medical cover paid for by the county government.

Governor Anne Waiguru said the devolved government has set aside Sh22 million for the health scheme that will also benefit boda boda operators.

Speaking at her office in Kutus during the launch of a door-to-door registration drive, Ms Waiguru explained that other beneficiaries of the free cover are those living with disabilities, the elderly and the poor.

"We are paying for the vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities.

"This financial year we have allocated Sh22 million and in the next financial year we will commit Sh50 million for the medical cover.

"We seek to ensure everyone in the county has access to universal healthcare," Governor Waiguru said on Friday.

'AGENDA FOUR'

The scheme, being carried out in partnership with Safaricom's M-Tiba, is aimed at reducing the burden of seeking treatment.

Ms Waiguru said that the programme is informed by President Uhuru Kenyatta's national agenda of food security, providing affordable housing, improving the manufacturing sector and providing universal healthcare.

At the same time, she cautioned boda boda operators against fanning crime and being negatively exploited by politicians.

"The boda boda operators who will engage in lawlessness or allow to be abused by politicians will have their free health covers cancelled. Be law abiding citizens," she urged.