KENYA – The Kenyan government is determined to enroll all citizens under the Social Health Authority (SHA) by December, with over 7,000 health providers already contracted to deliver services.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, announced that over 60% of the population is currently registered and urged county officials to actively participate in the rollout.
To foster transparency, Mr. Kimtai revealed plans to publish a comprehensive list of all facilities registered within the SHA framework.
“This week, we will make public the facilities that have been approved to provide medical services under the SHA. As long as you have signed a contract with us, you are expected to serve Kenyans without discrimination. If not, we will take action,” he emphasized.
Addressing payment issues for healthcare facilities
The government is also addressing pending payments owed to health facilities, having disbursed KSh 1.5 billion (US $11.6 million) with an additional KSh 3 billion (US $ 23.3 million) scheduled for payment this week. “We are committed to ensuring that all claims are settled within 90 days,” Kimtai stated.
To facilitate the grassroots rollout of the SHA, County Implementation Committees will be set up, with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) playing a vital role in household registration to ensure inclusivity.
The SHA initiative is a critical milestone in Kenya’s journey towards universal health coverage, as highlighted by Kimtai during the launch of the Coastal Region Multi-Sectoral SHA Implementation Committee.
Collaboration among key stakeholders
Mr. Kimtai announced the formation of County Multi-Sectoral Steering Committees to oversee the SHA program’s implementation nationwide.
These committees will include representatives from County Executive Committees (CECs), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), the Kenya Health Federation (KHF), and the SHA itself, with CECs chairing the committees to ensure efficient operations at the local level.
“Collaboration between national and county governments is essential. Involvement of key stakeholders strengthens our commitment to quality healthcare for all Kenyans,” Kimtai said.
The committees will monitor service delivery at registered health facilities to ensure equitable access to care.
Technological advancements to enhance efficiency
The SHA program has already registered over 13 million Kenyans and is set for further expansion, supported by the Digital Health Authority (DHA), which is digitizing the system.
The DHA has distributed 5,000 tablets to health facilities, with plans for an additional 65,000 tablets to improve efficiency.
A warning to non-compliance facilities
During discussions in Mombasa, Mr. Kimtai warned hospitals registered under the SHA that they risk deregistration if they deny services to patients.
He noted that some facilities are refusing to use the government’s system and instead demand cash from patients.
“Some facilities are deliberately refusing to use the system, providing flimsy excuses. We will publish the names of contracted hospitals so Kenyans can identify those who are not complying,” he cautioned.
As the SHA initiative progresses, the government continues to work closely with faith-based organizations and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
Mr. Kimtai reiterated, “The success of the SHA program depends on our ongoing collaboration with County Governments, KHF, FBOs, and other stakeholders.”
The latest warning comes barely two days after President William Ruto directed private hospitals to finalise enrollment with the new health insurance scheme to avoid inconveniences.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ruto stated that Kenyans employed under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) would be prioritised under the SHA.
“I’m aware that during this transition period, the employees of the former NHIF will be managed in accordance with the SHA Act of 2023,” Ruto stated. “I want to assure all the NHIF employees that no one will lose their jobs,” he added.
