Health Cabinet Secretary Debora Barasa has urged politicians to help mobilize Kenyans for SHA registration.
Barasa has called on political leaders to help raise awareness about the Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, highlighting that those already registered are benefiting from the program.
Speaking in Kapenguria West, Pokot County, on Sunday, Barasa emphasized her ministry’s commitment to ensuring every Kenyan has access to affordable healthcare.
She further strongly stressed the importance of collective efforts in registering for the new health scheme.
Community sensitization
She noted that community sensitization remains a challenge and urged political leaders—including MCAs, MPs, governors, and senators—to promote SHA registration.
“We should set targets for political leaders on sensitization and registration numbers,” Barasa said.
Despite complaints about the SHA rollout, Barasa assured that services are being provided and issues will be resolved.
She also mentioned that Ksh.5 billion had been paid to facilities, with another Ksh.2.5 billion expected soon, aiming for full payment by the end of November.
Responding to Catholic church
CS Barasa has recently addressed concerns raised by the Catholic Church regarding the government’s debt to faith-based healthcare providers.
Specifically those under the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). She refuted claims by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that the government owes billions, describing them as misleading.
Barasa clarified that while NHIF had accumulated a debt of KSh 19 billion over ten years, the government is actively working to clear these arrears.
In the past month, KSh 7.58 billion has been mobilized to settle outstanding payments, with more funds expected to be disbursed soon.
Additionally, over KSh 5 billion has been allocated to healthcare providers, including faith-based institutions, as part of the new Social Health Authority (SHA) funding.
Barasa also emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the issues with SHA and ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible to all, especially vulnerable communities.
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