As the government officially starts deducting SHIF funds from Kenyans, many remain unaware of the new cover and still struggle with outstanding debts on the old NHIF cover, making it difficult to meet their medical expenses.

A heartbreaking example is Faith Mbithe, a KCSE candidate at Kathekakai Secondary school in Machakos diagnosed with a rare heart condition in 2012 while in class three and currently needs Ksh 1.8 million to travel to India for surgery by January next year.

Faith has been on regular medical checkups at Kenyatta National Hospital for over ten years, but her condition hasn’t improved, with doctors in September this year recommending that she undergoes surgery in India January next year

Her parents, who only do menial jobs, can’t afford the medical expenses, having already spent nearly half a million shillings on her treatment.

Today, in a rare act of solidarity, her classmates from Kathekakai, along with community members, organized a fundraiser for her medical costs, however, the amount raised was less than a quarter of what Faith needs.

They are now appealing to generous Kenyans to help them raise the required funds through the attached till number.