Mombasa County has emerged as the leader in the nationwide rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, with an impressive 60% registration rate, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Speaking during a visit to the coastal county, CS Duale commended Mombasa for its digitisation of critical health services and rapid adoption of SHA, a key component in Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategy. Duale praised Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s leadership, noting that Mombasa has set a benchmark in healthcare delivery through innovation and commitment.
“Paid a courtesy call to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and found him chairing a consultative meeting with county health workers on accelerating UHC through Taifa Care,” Duale said. “Mombasa leads the nation with a remarkable 60% SHA enrollment rate and has digitised key health services, from patient records to claims processing.”
Duale was accompanied by Health Director General Patrick Amoth during the visit, which focused on assessing the implementation of UHC and SHA at the county level.
The national government has made significant strides in implementing the SHA, with over 22 million Kenyans registered as of May 13, according to Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga. He announced the milestone during a Social Sector National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) meeting in Nairobi, emphasizing the operational status of SHA’s digital systems.
“So far, healthcare providers have served 1.2 million Kenyans, with claims worth Sh45 billion already processed,” said PS Oluga. “The Social Health Authority is changing the health financing landscape and cushioning Kenyans who would otherwise slide into poverty because of hospital bills.”
In April, CS Duale told the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation that SHA had overcome initial challenges and was now effectively serving the public. “The system is working and many Kenyans are benefiting while others are registering every day,” he said.
With Mombasa leading the way, the Ministry of Health is optimistic about the future of UHC and SHA as more counties follow suit in embracing digitised, inclusive healthcare.
