High school students get Ksh.4B health cover

President Uhuru Kenyatta has launched a Ksh.4.5 billion comprehensive medical cover that will cater for all students in public secondary schools.

Speaking during the launch at State House, Nairobi, the President said the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover is unique as it only caters for students.

The Government is to begin paying a premium of Ksh.1,350 per student for 3 million students in public secondary schools starting in May.

“This will ensure that our students access quality health services and thereby easing the burden from their parents and guardians,” he said.

President Kenyatta directed NHIF and the Education Ministry to be keen on ensuring that no money is lost through corruption as the scheme is implemented.

He further directed the Health Ministry to ensure health facilities that serve students are upgraded to the level of NHIF accreditation.

“Since students are expected to be in school most of the time, the provider must ensure that they access medical services close to school,” President Kenyatta added.

He emphasised the importance of accurate data in the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to ensure the health cover for students is realised.