Nakhumicha Shifts Extension Of Edu-Afya Scheme Responsibility To Education CS Machogu

Nakhumicha Delegates Edu-Afya Extension.

Nakhumicha Delegates Edu-Afya Extension.Minister of Health Susan Nakhumicha takes responsibility for expansion of Edu-Afya Insurance Scheme

Introduction:

Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha has directed Education CS Ezekiel Machogu to consider renewal of the discontinued Edu-Afya health insurance scheme. She  highlighted that NHIF owes over Sh4 billion for health services provided to students and civil servants under separate schemes. Appearing before the National Assembly Health Committee, Nakhumicha said: “NHIF provided services to the Ministry of Education under the Edu-Afya programme. However, the software contract expired last year. CS Ezekiel Machogu must now ask us to extend the program. We are ready to contribute to this.”

Concerns about Edu-Afya program termination and refund pending

The committee, chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, sought clarification on the status of the Edu-Afya program in view of the conversion of NHIF to Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The £4.5 billion scheme, which launched in 2018, ended in December 2023 after running for four and a half years. The disruption has prompted parents and educators to seek alternative health care solutions for secondary school students and raised concerns about their well-being.

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Edu-Afya Program Impact and Coverage Details

The Edu-Afya scheme provided comprehensive health insurance to public secondary school students registered in the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS). This has made it easier to diagnose previously undetected chronic conditions, helped students get the health care they need, and reduced school absenteeism. The Department of Education negotiated an annual premium of Sh1,350 per pupil, with 606,893 of the 2.7 million covered students seeking health care in 2019.

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National Assembly inquiries and future outlook

A parliamentary committee has sought clarity on the possibility of revival of the Edu-Afya scheme under SHIF and the status of the pending legislation. Pukose questioned the decision to end the program, citing cases where students died after the program ended and asked Nakhumicha to provide more details. Nakhumicha told the committee: “After receiving the request from the Department for Education, we are prepared to renew the contract under this scheme through NHIF, especially for enrolled students. “We know students are still in hospital and relying on this system.”

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Caution and Financial Responsibility

Pukose warned NHIF against requesting additional financing, reminding it of the 2023/2024 financial year approaching. He emphasized the importance of financial responsibility during the transition period to avoid liability for mismanagement.

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Nakhumicha Delegates Edu-Afya Extension.