Kenya Govt to Insure Community Health Promoters under SHA this Month

President William Ruto has defended the government's Social Health Authority (SHA), stating it is performing ten times better than the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Despite criticism over system failures and delayed reimbursements, Ruto argued that SHA has increased funding to public hospitals, expanded health insurance registration, and accelerated payments to health facilities. He dismissed calls to restore NHIF, saying such proposals would reverse gains made under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.

President William Ruto has mounted his strongest defence yet of the government's Social Health Authority (SHA), declaring that the new healthcare system is performing ten times more than the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Speaking during an engagement with Community Health Promoters (CHPs), Ruto argued that SHA has fundamentally transformed healthcare financing by increasing funding to public hospitals, expanding health insurance registration and accelerating payments to health facilities across the country.

The introduction of SHA in October 2024 was part of the government's efforts to improve healthcare financing under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. The new system aimed to increase funding to public hospitals, expand health insurance registration, and accelerate payments to health facilities. However, despite these efforts, SHA has continued to face criticism over persistent system glitches, delayed claim processing, and historical NHIF debts owed to hospitals.

Ruto's defence of SHA is significant as it highlights the government's commitment to the UHC programme. The President's argument that SHA is performing ten times better than NHIF is based on financial data showing that SHA is disbursing significantly more money to health facilities. However, critics argue that these gains are offset by persistent system failures and delayed reimbursements. The debate over SHA highlights the challenges of implementing healthcare reforms in Kenya and the need for sustained support from the government.

The outcome of this matter has not yet been reported. However, Ruto's defence of SHA is likely to be an important factor in shaping the country's healthcare policy. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will address the persistent challenges facing SHA or continue to defend its performance.