A mobile prototype for payments and contributions : case of National Hospital Insurance Fund

Date
2015
Authors
Njoroge, Stephen Gichohi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The availability of M-Pesa payment system has enabled NHIF to increase its revenue collection as a notable success. However, despite the availability of such system, the report done by United States Agency for International Intelligence states that the system is not able to detect information that might have been erroneously entered and also contributions paid are not reflected on members account in a timely manner. Beneficiaries of health facilities would learn that they could not access services because contributions were not reflected on their member accounts. Also, there is lack of transparency on the audited financial statements and reports which is associated with a failure in internal controls around reconciliations. The aim of this research is to develop and test a mobile prototype for payments and contributions that will validate users so as to detect information that might have been erroneously entered by users to enable their contributions to reflect on their member account on timely basis and also to assist NHIF management to have real-time reports on revenue collected to avoid reconciliation problems. A descriptive study method was used and a target population was sampled out using systematic random sampling method and questionnaires were used to collect data. One set of questionnaires was given to users and the other set was issued to NHIF agents and Management. Data analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences then summarized and presented in tables using totals and percentages in Microsoft Excel. The proposed application was designed and tested. It was found to be very convenient to the end user since the user can avoid making erroneous payments because the user is validated using their membership details and National ID details. The management is able to view the reports for all payments in real-time therefore enhancing effective reconciliation process to allow comprehensive and continuous monitoring of key financial controls in the reports with increased business visibility.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Mobile Telecommunication and Innovation
Keywords
Prototype, Mobile, payments, Contributions, NHIF, National Hospital Insurance Fund
Citation