MPs expressed outrage over how the transition has been handled. Efforts by National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wa and Health Committee Chair Robert Pukose to defend the system fell flat, as MPs cited widespread issues faced by Kenyans in accessing care. Pukose argued that registered indigent Kenyans would have their services covered, but other MPs remained unconvinced, noting that Kenyans continue to pay out of pocket for services previously covered
The National Assembly was rocked by intense debate as lawmakers criticized the government’s handling of the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the new Social Health Authority (SHA). MPs argued that the poorly executed shift has left many Kenyans without access to necessary medical care, with systems either non-functional or citizens unregistered.
During a motion for adjournment, raised by Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, members demanded a Kamukunji to discuss the problematic rollout. Lawmakers lamented that even they have been forced to cover medical expenses for family members turned away from hospitals due to issues with the system. The SHA’s challenges have raised concerns that, unlike the NHIF, which ensured treatment for dialysis and chemotherapy patients, the new system is failing to meet the needs of Kenyans.
Gogo voiced frustration over the lack of clarity in the program, citing a significant salary deduction and asking if the funds were reaching the intended beneficiaries. “People are confused—they don’t know if it’s NHIF, SHA, or SHIF,” she said. “Are funds going to healthcare needs? How much has been allocated for equipment and training?”
The controversy follows SHA’s recent suspension of its CEO, Elijah Wachira, who was replaced by Robert Ingasira in an acting role amid accusations of prioritizing payments to private hospitals over public ones—a claim Wachira denies.
Inside Parliament, MPs expressed outrage over how the transition has been handled. Efforts by National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wa and Health Committee Chair Robert Pukose to defend the system fell flat, as MPs cited widespread issues faced by Kenyans in accessing care. Pukose argued that registered indigent Kenyans would have their services covered, but other MPs remained unconvinced, noting that Kenyans continue to pay out of pocket for services previously covered.
Ichung’wa urged MPs to encourage public enrollment in the new fund, noting that nearly 8,000 hospitals and providers are already participating. However, MPs, including James Nyikal, Millie Odhiambo, and Caroli Omondi, insisted that the new system is ineffective. Odhiambo called for a Kamukunji to address the issue, adding, “The cries from our constituencies tell us there’s a huge problem with this transition.”
Omondi criticized the disruption of services for chronic patients previously covered under NHIF, questioning why a seamless transition wasn’t implemented. Gathoni Wamuchomba condemned the new system as a “total mess” and urged the government to consider reinstating NHIF until the issues are resolved. Sabina Chege expressed disappointment, noting that NHIF had its flaws, but patients had clearer expectations, especially for critical treatments like dialysis and chemotherapy.
Other MPs, including Sarah Korere and Beatrice Elachi, highlighted a lack of trust and engagement in the SHA rollout. Elachi pointed out that despite a substantial investment in technology, the system’s reliance on underdeveloped software has led to inefficiencies. She called for a thorough evaluation to restore public confidence and provide comprehensive healthcare coverage as intended.
The uproar reflects deep dissatisfaction with the healthcare overhaul, as MPs push for immediate changes to ensure Kenyans are not left without access to critical medical services.
