Faith Nyongesa |
This new policy aims to encourage young adults to take responsibility for their own healthcare costs and reduce the burden on their parents.
By requiring individuals over the age of 25 to contribute to their own medical insurance, the SHIF hopes to promote financial independence and self-sufficiency among young Kenyans.
The KSh 300 monthly contribution may seem like a small amount, but for many unemployed individuals, it could be a significant financial burden. However, the SHIF drafters believe that this contribution is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system and to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare services.
Critics of the policy argue that it unfairly targets young adults who may be struggling to find employment and are still dependent on their parents for financial support. They argue that the government should focus on creating more job opportunities for young people rather than imposing additional financial obligations on them.
Overall, the new policy represents a shift towards individual responsibility for healthcare costs in Kenya. It remains to be seen how effective it will be in achieving its goals and whether it will have any unintended consequences for young adults and their families.