Aasai

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has spent more than Ksh.56 billion over the past ten months since the official launch to develop Universal Health Care (UHC) across the country. During the high-level launch of the National Equipment Service Project at the State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto explained that the money came from the Social Health Insurance Fund (Ksh. 49.7 billion) and the Primary Health Fund (Ksh.6.7 billion). 

He praised the SHA on the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), mentioning that until the SHA celebrates its first year, it will have issued almost three times the highest annual NHIF payment. This, the President noted, is a major change in health care funding as it demonstrates the governments commitment to expand access and improve the quality of health services through the Community Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) system. "Since October 2024, the SHA has paid a total of Ksh.56.4 billion, including Ksh.49.7 billion from the Social Health Insurance Fund and Ksh.6.7 billion under the Primary Health Fund.

 This digital transformation gives Kenyans access to health services faster, more transparent and with respect," he said. "In one year, the NHIF that was ever paid the most was between Ksh.22 billion and Ksh.25 billion. In 10 months, SHA has paid Ksh.56.4 billion. In fact, by the first year, SHA will have paid three times the NHIF ever paid per year." The Head of State added that SHA has registered more than 25.2 million Kenyans since its inception and contracted more than 11,000 health care providers, including hospitals, clinics and health centers across the country. 

Furthermore, President Ruto warned fraudsters in the health sector that any misconduct that the health care system will deal with firmly according to the law. "If you e trying to tamper with the system, beware: You e already on our radar. The system signals such tests, and investigations are ongoing.

 In due course, the consequences will be made public to all, and fraudsters will face consequences for their criminal acts directly ," he noted. The Social Health Authority was established in October 2024 last year by Kenya Kwanza government in order to improve health department in the country, aiming to address gaps in the NHIF and provide quality services to all Kenyans regardless of economic situation. Critics, however, have raised concerns for the health care system, citing a lack of public understanding and transparency about how it works, particularly regarding enforcement, affordability and transparency.