President William Ruto reaffirmed his administration's commitment to achieving universal health coverage, pledging access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.
Speaking at a service at Ekambuli Church of God in Khwisero, Kakamega County, he assured citizens that the transition to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) is in progress, with the government working to clear outstanding debts owed to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In an optimistic address, President Ruto promised that soon no citizen would face hospital fees. “Those who are unable to pay will be supported by the government,” he assured attendees, emphasizing a well-structured plan to make universal health coverage a reality.
“No part of the country will be left behind in development,” he added, reflecting his administration’s focus on equitable resource distribution.
However, the transition to the SHA has been met with significant challenges, prompting a group of church leaders to voice their concerns.
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The leaders, representing the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), called for a temporary reinstatement of the NHIF until the SHA can effectively address the technical and logistical issues that have hampered its rollout.
They highlighted a healthcare crisis affecting many Kenyans, with patients being turned away from hospitals or burdened with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
“We demand that the government suspend the implementation of SHA and revert to NHIF until all necessary measures are in place,” stated the NCCK leaders, criticizing the SHA for failing to deliver the promised healthcare benefits despite increased contributions.
With rising distress among patients unable to access treatment for manageable conditions, the NCCK leaders expressed profound concern. “There is a growing sense of sadness as we witness immense suffering and rising deaths from treatable ailments,” they lamented, urging immediate improvements to ensure that SHA benefits meet or exceed those provided by the NHIF.
In response to the ongoing turmoil in the healthcare system, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa urged healthcare providers to continue treating patients despite outstanding claims.
“I urge hospitals not to turn away patients, especially those with serious conditions like cancer,” Barasa stated, ensuring that the ministry would address unpaid claims from the previous NHIF system.
Nevertheless, many healthcare providers, including dialysis centers and private hospitals, remain anxious about their ability to transition to the SHA, citing unpaid debts from the former NHIF arrangements as a significant barrier.
