Kenya’s President William Ruto has approved controversial legislation that will see the biggest shake-up of Kenya health sector in more than 20 years.
The bill revolves around promoting universal healthcare, and requires all workers to contribute 2.75 percent of their salaries towards a new health fund while making healthcare affordable as well as accessible for poorer people.
The government says it will make healthcare more affordable and accessible for poorer Kenyans.
But it has proved unpopular with many Kenyans, who see it as a new tax.
They say it is the latest in a series of measures that Mr Ruto has introduced, worsening the cost-of-living crisis, despite the fact that he won elections last year with a promise to ease the financial difficulties of families.
Some also fear that the new healthcare fund will be beset by corruption, like the existing one, meaning they are often unable to access the health services they are entitled to.
But parliament has backed Mr Ruto, passing the Social Health Insurance Bill, along with three other health bills, on Tuesday.
Currently, Kenyans pay between 150 Kenyan shillings ($1; £0.80) and 1,700 shillings monthly to a National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
With the new law, every Kenyan must register as a member of the Social Health Insurance Fund that replaces NHIF.
Mr Ruto says that the universal health insurance will ensure that every Kenyan can go to the hospital and receive treatment without facing financial hardship.
The new laws, however, do not address what happens when individuals cannot afford contributions.
