Aasai

Over 26 million Kenyans have registered for SHA health insurance with the government targeting more registrations before the end of this year. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Kenyans to continue registering while welcoming the increasing interest in starting registration. Speaking on Monday when he addressed over 1,500 women leaders from Laikipia County in Irunduni area, Tharaka Nithi County, Prof. Kindiki urged those who have not registered to benefit from the health services provided by SHA. “We want everyone to register for SHA. 

We have 26 million Kenyans who have already registered. At this rate, by reaching 20 million, we will have 5 million by December 20. That will mean that all Kenyans will be covered which will be a historic achievement,” the DP said. The DP said obstacles to its implementation were being addressed saying the system is being improved to make it more efficient and effective. 

He also said at least 1.5 million Kenyans will access SHA services without having to pay any contribution after their economic status is verified. "We want everyone to be registered to qualify for the service that will reduce the burden of hospital bills. We already have 1.5 million Kenyans who will have their bills paid without making any contributions because they cannot," he added.

 The second in command urged the women leaders to push for more registration in Laikipia revealing that 242, 000 residents registered against the target of 591,000. Meanwhile, Prof. Kindiki said the government is strengthening development projects in the County to improve the lives of residents. Currently, 12 modern markets are being built including in Nyahururu, Nanyuki, Sipili, Naibor, Ilipolei, Wiyumiririe, Kibaba, Kalali towns. Affordable housing projects are also underway in Naibor, Kinamba, Posta, Nanyuki Phase 1 and Phase 2 and in various educational institutions among them are the hostels of Laikipia University and Nyahururu KMTC. Electricity connections are also being expanded in the devolved unit after the government allocated Sh720 million to connect more households in all constituencies in the county. 

The Deputy President commended the governments efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the county following years of deadly banditry and cattle rustling attacks. He said President Ruto promised to restore peace in Laikipia when he was campaigning and he did so within months of assuming office. The Deputy President, who was the Cabinet Secretary for Home Affairs before assuming office, said a lot of effort had been put into strengthening security in the area and included the deployment of special police units and increasing the number of reservists. 

"We increased the number of officers deployed in the area from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, the Rapid Deployment Unit and increased the number of reservists. Because of the work done by these officers,now we have peace in Laikipia and people are going about their lives without fear for their safety,” the DP said. The DP said the government would continue to strengthen security to ensure lasting peace in the region and North Rift calling on residents to live together in peace. Prof. Kindiki also said government’s major projects are aimed at improving the lives of millions of Kenyans, most of whom are women in the region. 

“Women are the agents of change, doing more work as breadwinners for their families but are also key drivers of agricultural productivity and business growth,” he noted. He said the government’s transformation in the agricultural sector through subsidized fertilizers and certified seeds is benefiting women who make up the majority of farmers in the country. Medium-sized enterprises, many of them run by women, fit perfectly into the BETA agenda. “When we expand the economy to create jobs, we empower families and communities for the benefit of men and women, who as parents want a country that offers more opportunities for their children,” he said.