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{
    "id": 1092140,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1092140/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 185,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Murang’a CWR, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Sabina Chege",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 884,
        "legal_name": "Sabina Wanjiru Chege",
        "slug": "sabina-wanjiru-chege"
    },
    "content": "Once they get the card, they will be able to access services. Currently, I would want to inform the House that we have already given a budget of a million households to be taken care of and they will get the cards and access healthcare without pay. We are also concerned about the quality and, of course, the access and to make sure that once they get treatment, they will also get the drugs. So, this is a journey that we have started and we are committed to making sure that it is sustained. The Committee also proposed reduction of the penalty for non-remittance of special contribution by self-employed persons from 5 per cent to 10 percent of the amount of contribution due. This is necessary so as to ensure a realistic payment of penalties. Sometimes, it is not that the ones who are not able to pay are not willing. They may not have had the money. This has happened even in this Parliament when we delay payments for our staff, hence the penalties that had been proposed were really not favourable; especially to the most vulnerable in the community. As to the non-remittance by the contributor, it may be occasioned by lack of funds occasioned by lack of income. The amendment further seeks to eliminate the double penalty for non-remittance. The Committee also proposed an amendment to allow for a provision of voluntary contribution to be made by the youth so as to ensure that any youth who may not have a stable source of income, but wishes to make contribution to the fund, is allowed to do so. I would want to explain this point. At the age of 21, you stop being covered by your parents. Remember the Kshs500 that is voluntary covers both parents and their children who are below the age of 21 years. If our young people, even the ones who are at the university, would wish to make a contribution to NHIF, they will still be forced to pay the Kshs500. There is no special consideration for the youth. As we know, the definition of a youth is anyone who is between the ages of 18 to 35. We have therefore tasked NHIF to come up with an amount - hopefully Kshs200 - where one can pay per month and will be able to access services. The Bill proposes that households with the ability to pay must contribute to the kitty. However, for those who are unable to pay, the national and county government will step in and pay. Approximately 20 per cent of the 5. 1 million in poor and vulnerable households have been identified across all the 47 counties. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}