President Ruto Urges Kenyans to Register for SHA Without Delay
The President continued to emphasize that with the SHA scheme, outpatient treatment for common sicknesses such as malaria, flu, and diarrhoea is free of cost.
Beyond this, the expansion of technical and vocational education institutions is geared toward making the country’s youth employable. Photo/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto has once again called on Kenyans who have not yet registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA) to register immediately, adding that the program was important to the improvement of the country’s health.
Addressing the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme in Nakuru County on Monday, President Ruto raised an eyebrow over the lack of speed in registration among some citizens. He wondered why most people were afraid to register, asking facetiously, “For those who have not registered for SHA, are you waiting for the return of Jesus, or who exactly are you waiting for?”
The State Chief explained that registration with SHA is a vital process that will help the government to plan and distribute medical supplies accordingly. “We need to know how many people are registered at every health facility so that we can determine how much medicine to supply, what equipment we need, and how many health workers are needed,” he explained.
Ruto commended the residents of Nakuru County for the massive turn-up during the programme, stating that nearly one million people—950,000 to be exact—have already enrolled under SHA. This, he reminded us, was a sign in itself of growing awareness and public faith in the new healthcare system.
He reminded Kenyans that registration under the Social Health Authority is absolutely free and urged those who are not registered to register without hesitation. The SHA is replacing the currently dissolved National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of the government’s step towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to make it possible for all Kenyans to be in a position to access quality and affordable healthcare.
The President continued to emphasize that with the SHA scheme, outpatient treatment for common sicknesses such as malaria, flu, and diarrhoea is free of cost, even in mission and private hospitals. “Outpatient treatment for common ailments are now free both in private and mission health facilities. Nobody should be asked or refused payment for these services,” he emphasized.
Ruto cautioned hospital managers and health practitioners against demanding payment for SHA-covered services, with the warning that they would be denied. “If a hospital or a health officer asks you to pay for free treatment, report them to the authorities or police,” he asserted firmly.
He concluded reaffirming his government’s pledge to enhance the health sector, claiming that the Social Health Authority is central to Kenya’s journey to universal healthcare. “A healthy nation is a productive nation. Our vision is to ensure every Kenyan accesses quality healthcare so we can build a strong and prosperous nation,” he added further.
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