As of next month you will pay higher monthly contributions to National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) after the High Court threw out a petition by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) on the grounds that it had no merit to block the increment.

As a result, you will take home less pay at the end of the month though the new NHIF rates would let you benefit from a comprehensive outpatient and inpatient cover, irrespective of the amount you contribute. Currently NHIF only covers inpatient bed charges for its members.

NHIF will hold a special board meeting today to discuss the implementation of the court ruling.

NHIF Chief Executive Officer Richard Kerich predicts that, as of 1st May the new NHIF services will be rolled out meaning that the new contribution rates will be implemented by the end of April.

The rates would see the minimum NHIF contribution rise from KES 320 per month to KES 2,000 for people earning a monthly gross salary of KES 100,000 and above. Those earning between KES 50,000 and KES 99,999 gross salary would contribute KES 1,500 per month. Formal sector workers earning less than KES 5,000 per month would pay KES 150 while the self employed would remit KES 500 per month.