Mudavadi urges Kenyans to support new SHIF health plan

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to back the government’s new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), cautioning against those opposing the healthcare reform.

According to Mudavadi, critics of the SHIF scheme have hidden agendas aimed at weakening Kenya’s healthcare sector and preserving corrupt practices in the existing National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) framework.

Mudavadi argued that those advocating for the status quo benefit a few unscrupulous individuals exploiting loopholes in the NHIF system.

“Kenyans should know that corruption fights back. Those who have been profiting from mismanagement of the previous scheme will resist change,” he stated.

He assured Kenyans that SHIF is designed to strengthen healthcare access without harming citizens.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the SHIF aligns with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aimed at providing universal healthcare.

He highlighted that the scheme would especially benefit vulnerable populations, offering access to critical services such as screening, dialysis, transplants, essential medications, and advanced medical facilities.

Mudavadi made these remarks while attending the 73rd-anniversary celebrations of the African Divine Church (ADC) at Nairobi Primary School.

He called on Kenyans to support President Ruto’s reform agenda, emphasizing that the changes would lead to greater stability, peace, and security across the nation.

“Stability and peace are essential for a nation’s growth. We need to respect the rule of law and all institutions that govern Kenya,” he said.

Mudavadi also praised the ADC, led by Archbishop John Chabuga, for its role in fostering unity and peace.

He encouraged the church to continue partnering with the government to strengthen the nation’s moral fabric and resilience against societal vices.

Among those present were Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, and various Members of Parliament and County Assembly.