Kenya, April 13 -- President William Ruto has announced that the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) will provide healthcare services that are "10 times better" than the old system called the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
While speaking at a service in Kapng'etik, Keiyo South, in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Ruto highlighted that SHA is an important part of his plan to ensure that all Kenyans have access to healthcare.
"The SHA is created to fix the problems that NHIF had. It will be more efficient, clear, and easier to use-10 times better," Ruto said. This was supported by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at a different event.
Ruto mentioned that the SHA has a digital registration system that has already signed up over 13 million Kenyans, making it easier for people to access healthcare.
The switch from NHIF to SHA is complete, but it has faced some challenges. There have been reports of delays in payments to hospitals and confusion about how to register, which has made some people uncertain.
Also, receiving SMS codes and low payout to hospitals are among the top critical features and policies to be fixed to compare with the former NHIF.
Opposition leaders, like Kalonzo Musyoka, have criticised the rollout, saying it was rushed and not well planned.
Reactions on social media show mixed feelings; some people are excited about the SHA's potential, while others have concerns that the SHA will not work at all.
Ruto responded to the criticism by assuring Kenyans that any early problems would be fixed quickly.
"We are creating a system that includes everyone, from street vendors to professionals," he said, promising better care for chronic illnesses and maternal health.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale joined in the optimism, saying that SHA's cooperation with private providers would help ease the burden on public health facilities.
The government has set aside KSh 145 billion for SHA for the fiscal year 2025/26, but there are still questions about how sustainable the funding will be.
As Ruto seeks support from the public, everyone is watching to see if SHA can fulfil his ambitious promise.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.