President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the new digital healthcare system will put an end to fraud, which previously crippled the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

He strategically emphasized that this system will bring transparency and accountability to healthcare services.

The President strongly criticized those spreading negative information about the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He claimed that many of them had benefited from loopholes in NHIF, allowing them to steal up to 40 percent of the funds meant for public healthcare.

He pointed out that misleading reports in the media have wrongly suggested that the government will cover the cost of the digital system running SHA.

However, he clarified that SHA operates as a fee-for-service model, meaning payments are only made for actual healthcare services provided.

Ruto firmly stated that no amount of misinformation would push the government to revert to NHIF, which he described as a flawed system that enabled corruption.

He further, accused critics of opposing the digital system because they want to continue exploiting public funds.

“They do not want a system that works because they want to continue stealing from us. But that era is over. It’s time to move forward,” he declared.

Accountability

The President stressed that the government would no longer give out free money to hospitals without proper accountability, as was the case under NHIF. Instead, payments will only be made for services that are actually delivered to patients.

He made these remarks during the funeral of Malava MP Malulu Injendi in Malava, Kakamega County. Several top leaders attended the event, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, governors, cabinet secretaries, members of parliament, and county representatives.

President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is not just for the wealthy but a right for all Kenyans.

He urged citizens to register for SHA so they can benefit from universal health coverage, which aims to provide fair and accessible healthcare services to everyone.

Ruto cited Kakamega County as an example, noting that out of the 1.8 million eligible residents, only 500,000 had registered.

Therefore, he expressed concern over this low registration rate and encouraged many more people to sign up.

The President also shared that the late MP Malulu Injendi’s hospital bill amounted to KSh9 million, which was covered by Parliament’s insurance scheme.

He stressed that every Kenyan should have access to similar financial protection through the new health care system SHA.

IEBC

Regarding the reorganization of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Ruto called on the selection panel responsible for appointing new commissioners to speed up the process.

He explained that filling these positions quickly would allow the election of new representatives in constituencies and wards, such as Malava, where seats remain vacant.

In addition, he assured leaders from Kakamega County that the government would work closely with them to fast-track key projects.

He highlighted infrastructure improvements, electricity expansion, and agricultural initiatives as priority areas that would boost the region’s development.

Ruto also announced progress on leasing public sugar companies, including Nzoia, Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Sony.

He noted that Mumias Sugar Company had already been leased and that local farmers were reaping the benefits.

“Our goal is to revive sugar farming in Western Kenya because it is key to increasing farmers’ income and strengthening the region’s economy,” he said.

Other leaders

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi spoke out against misinformation surrounding government programs, particularly the Affordable Housing Programme.

He addressed claims that the houses being built lack title deeds, clarifying that the law ensures these homes come with sectional title deeds.

“That was just propaganda aimed at derailing the housing initiative,” he said.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to embrace changes introduced by SHA instead of resisting them.

“When you buy new shoes, they may feel uncomfortable at first compared to your old pair. But over time, you realize the new ones are better,” he explained.

He added that some Kenyans are quick to criticize SHA without even registering for it.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed similar concerns, stating that misinformation about SHA has misled many people.

He urged Kenyans to ignore false reports and instead focus on securing their healthcare coverage.

“Your health is personal. Do not be swayed by misinformation. Take charge and register,” he advised.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also warned against false reports about SHA. He revealed that since SHA was implemented, KSh19 billion has been used to pay hospital bills for vulnerable citizens.

“Don’t listen to rumors. Register and see for yourself if SHA works for you,” he said.

With these strong statements, the leaders called on all Kenyans to support government programs aimed at improving healthcare and economic development across the country.

Follow https://kenyaonline.xyz for more