Kenya: Expectations that Uganda will spend more than planned ahead of an election due in early 2016, pose risks for investors who are demanding higher returns to hold Government debt. President Yoweri Museveni, 70, who has overseen rapid economic expansion during his almost three decades in power but has a weaker record on fiscal discipline, is widely expected to run for re- election in 2016, though he has yet to declare his candidacy. Investors worry about a repeat of the 2011 presidential election campaign, when Government spending surged, helping drive inflation to an 18-year high of 30 per cent and sent the Ugandan shilling plunging to an all-time low of 2,901 in September 2011. In response, the Central Bank jacked up lending rates to 23 per cent in November 2011, angering businesses and triggering public protests about the rising cost of living.Three years ago however, NHIF introduced a cover for civil servants and disciplined forces, which provided them with services that are normally not enjoyed by general subscribers, including the establishment of civil servant clinics. NHIF also undertook to remit advance capitulation funds to medical providers to enable the two categories of workers access urgent medical care.
The latest initiative is a partnership involving the African Medical Research Foundation and the Kenya Red Cross, which will provide ambulance and air services to civil servants and their families, especially those in far flung areas.
“The availability of modern ambulances equipped with the latest medical aids and technology and air rescue services will certainly enable our medical staff get to sick public servants quicker and treat the victims more effectively. These enhanced benefits will ensure the civil servants and our disciplined forces receive appropriate medical care whenever it is required,” said Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia during the launch.
President Kenyatta called for more reforms at NHIF to raise trust in the fund among ordinary Kenyans.
“I call upon NHIF to take up its crucial role in this agenda by building general public trust and confidence in line with the current laws. This calls for efficiency in its operations, reduced bureaucracy and enhanced performance to meet the expectations of Kenyans,” said the President.
