Officials reaffirm SHA’s effectiveness, call for public enrolment

Senior government officials are assuring Kenyans that the new national health insurance scheme under the Social Health Authority (SHA) is functioning effectively.

Amid skepticism from some members of the public, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Rebecca Miano urged citizens to register for SHA without delay, stressing that the scheme represents a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage.

“Tujiandikishe kwa SHA. Kuna wengi wanasema hawaitaki na hawatajiandikisha, lakini nawaambia ukweli, SHA inafanya kazi na wale wametibiwa wanajua,” she stated.

Miano, who was in Ndaragwa Constituency, Nyandarua County, addressed concerns about whether the new system can meet the country’s health needs, pointing out that those who have enrolled are already benefiting from the programme.

“Kwetu kuna mtu anatufanyia kazi. Alikuwa anaenda Ndaragwa akitumia nduthi (pikipiki), akaanguka akavunjika mguu – kwa hip. Tukampeleka Kijabe Hospital. Na kwa sababu alikuwa amejiandikisha SHA, hatukuleletewa bill ya hospitali,” she explained.

Her comments came as Medical Affairs Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga reiterated that the new system is operating efficiently, with payments now being processed every 14 days.

According to Oluga, Kenyans are gradually appreciating the new system, noting that there are currently 50,000 new registrations daily, resulting in a total of 23 million members.

Oluga confirmed that, through SHA, 4.5 million Kenyans have received treatment, fully covered without any additional costs to them.

“On a daily basis, we are on the ground with Kenyans, ensuring that no one is left behind from accessing healthcare based on financial hardship. The only way is by registering with the Social Health Authority. The story has changed. SHA is working. That’s the job,” he stated.

SHA, which replaced the now-defunct NHIF, has received mixed reactions from the public, with particular concerns raised regarding registration procedures, accessibility, and clarity on benefits. However, the government insists that all pending issues are being addressed and that Kenyans seeking medical services should not be worried.