In a mission to explore areas of mutual interest and collaboration with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) 1st Chamber Vice Chamber President (CVP) Dr. Erick Rutto visited the NHIF Headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi yesterday. The CVP was accompanied by KNCCI C.E.O Mr. Samuel Matonda alongside other Chamber staff and received by the NHIF C.E.O Dr. Peter Kamunyo.

The Chamber as the voice of the private sector provides members, partners and stakeholders with great opportunities to share information, experiences, best practices, expand prospects base and provide numerous networking opportunities. The Chamber’s various platforms and member engagement forums are innovative and help partners to meet potential customers, clients, vendors and generate new leads.

During the visit, the CVP Dr. Rutto reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to have a sustained working relationship with NHIF.  In a continued bid to actualize the collaboration and partnership, The Chamber initiates more business to business commerce and more opportunities for networking and connecting local businesses and members.

“With the various platforms, KNCCI creates value for stakeholders through provision of information and opportunities for engagement and networking to support business growth.  NHIF can have a wider reach for its insurance cover benefiting many Chamber members, stakeholders, partners and the general business community,” expressed Dr. Rutto

Dr Rutto challenged NHIF to develop daily, weekly rates to benefit subscribers who are drawn from the informal sector and are not dependent on a specified monthly income.

While highlighting the Chamber’s position, C.E.O Samuel Matonda reaffirmed the KNCCI mandate in collaborating closely with the government, stakeholders, partners and business development organizations to advocate for creation of favorable commercial trade environment that supports enterprise expansion.  He urged NHIF to partner with KNCCI so as to reach potential clients through member engagement forums, exclusive advertising and opportunities for business to business advertising and publicity.

On his part, NHIF C.E.O Dr. Kamunyo applauded the public private partnership saying it will enable NHIF to leverage on the chambers strength, in a move to offer public good to all Kenyans.  The various platforms would be used to sensitize and provide relevant information on accessible affordable and sustainable health insurance to all stakeholders.

According to Dr. Kamunyo, NHIF anticipates to increase the number of its principle members from 10.4 million subscribers currently  to 20 million by 2022. The C.E.O explained that effective recruitment strategies have been initiated to ensure constant registration, uptake, and renewals of NHIF members. He, therefore welcomes the public private partnership engagements  and agreed to explore new opportunities to further strengthen and deepen the partnership.

KNCCI will initiate the revival of the partnership between NHIF and the Jua Kali sector with a membership of over 13.6 million people countrywide with a grand launch in the pipeline.

Further, to interest NHIF in participating at the various platforms during the EXPO 2020 Dubai , KNCCI will prepare a concept paper for NHIF’s  consideration.  The global forum will run from 1st October 2021 – 31st  March 2022.

Also present during the meeting were; Ms Ruth Ouma (Membership), Mr Boaz Bureti (KNCCI Research officer) and Grace Kimani (CEO’s Office, NHIF.)