Elderly Mwingi residents trudge 40km for NHIF

Kitui has launched a programme to ensure elderly and needy residents register biometrically for the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

Elderly residents said they were grateful but many must walk long distances. Those from remote areas asked the government to provide transport from their villages to NHIF centres.

NHIF officer Rose Mary Mburugo urged residents to turn out in large numbers.

"Those who had initially registered for the card can continue paying for the services. Those who haven't should come out as well. The government will decide who will pay fees," she said.

Elderly men and women from remote areas are forced to trek long distances, sometimes 40km, to register in NHIF's biometric system.

Kalonzo Kalua, 73, from Tulanduli village said the first day they were told by the local administration to go register for NHIF in Kyuso. He had to walk more than 40km to Kyuso market.

He and others waited an entire day before being told the services had been moved to Kamuwongo market, more than 30km away. 

Kalonzo pleaded with the government to bring the services closer to their homes.

"Most of us are too old, weak and very vulnerable to even afford  transportation during the drought," he said.

Resident Daniel Musyoka, who had accompanied his 89-year-old mother, said the county should provide transport for elderly people from their villages to NHIF centres .

Some are too sick and old to walk, he said.

"If our leaders organised transport to registration centres, it would help most old people who cannot walk all these kilometres for the service," Musyoka said.

(Edited by V. Graham)