Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has urged Kenyans to register in large numbers with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable healthcare services. Speaking during the 100-year celebration of Kendu Adventist Hospital in Gendia, Karachuonyo constituency, Omollo emphasized that SHA has enabled many vulnerable families to access medical care that would have otherwise been unaffordable.
Omollo highlighted that the initial skepticism surrounding SHA has faded, and many Kenyans now recognize its benefits. “Kenyans have been convinced that SHA is working, and the negative noise we had at the early stage is no more,” he stated. He called on the remaining unregistered citizens to take advantage of the program and secure access to affordable health services.
SHA was introduced by the Kenya Kwanza administration to replace the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which was criticized for being exclusive to formally employed individuals and not cost-effective. The government argues that SHA offers more inclusive and accessible healthcare financing.
Alongside Omollo were four other principal secretaries: Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Mary Muthoni (Public Health), Boniface Makokha (Economic Planning), and Kipronoh Rono (Agriculture). They echoed his sentiments, urging Kenyans not to deny themselves the benefits of quality healthcare by failing to register.
Dr. Oluga revealed that the government has allocated over KSh20 billion to fund SHA, ensuring that citizens are cushioned from hefty medical bills. He added that hospital administrators must also play their part by improving service delivery to enhance patient satisfaction.
Omollo particularly noted that Homa Bay County ranks 13th in SHA registration, with only 44% of the expected population enrolled. He urged county officials and leaders to partner with community health volunteers to boost registration efforts.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, and MPs Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo) and Mark Nyamita (Uriri) called on residents to support government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and overall development.
The leaders underscored that successful implementation of such programs is key to achieving universal health coverage and national development goals.
