The MPs’ concerns coincided with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s directive to Health Committee Chairperson Robert Pukose (Endebess) to convene a meeting with Ministry of Health officials and SHA representatives next week. Wetangula demanded comprehensive responses from the health sector’s leadership, with a detailed report to be presented when the National Assembly resumes on February 11. ‘We need to know how to address these challenges,’ Wetangula emphasized
Lawmakers have strongly criticized the Social Health Authority (SHA) over the implementation of its new health insurance scheme, citing multiple concerns including poor services, inadequate communication, insufficient funding, and unclear implementation frameworks. They argued that these shortcomings had discouraged Kenyans from enrolling in the program.
The MPs voiced their concerns during a briefing by Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai and SHA Board Chairman Abdi Mohamed on the scheme’s rollout. Legislators claimed that many Kenyans seeking medical services were not receiving assistance and were forced to pay out of pocket.
Their concerns coincided with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s directive to Health Committee Chairperson Robert Pukose (Endebess) to convene a meeting with Ministry of Health officials and SHA representatives next week. Wetangula demanded comprehensive responses from the health sector’s leadership, with a detailed report set to be presented when the National Assembly resumes on February 11. “We need to know how to address these challenges,” Wetangula emphasized.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah led MPs in criticizing SHA’s public outreach efforts, describing the agency’s communication strategy as ineffective. He stressed that SHA had failed to adequately inform the public about the program’s benefits.
“Your communication is shambolic. MPs are mobilizing Kenyans on their own because SHA is failing in its role. If members of Parliament can’t explain the benefits, how do you expect villagers to understand?” Ichung’wah said.
Kasipul Kabondo MP Eve Obara noted that it was difficult to convince her constituents to register for a program that appeared financially unstable. “There are no services being provided under SHA in my constituency. My people are suffering, and no one is offering solutions,” she stated. She urged the Ministry of Health to conduct a survey to identify challenges in service delivery.
Igembe Central MP John Paul Mwirigi lamented that patients were struggling to access healthcare, with many hospitals refusing to treat them under SHA’s Taifa Care scheme. “It is heartbreaking that many patients, despite being registered, cannot receive treatment or buy medicine,” he said.
Kitutu Chache MP Anthony Kibagendi questioned how SHA intended to address funding shortfalls and enhance public awareness. “You are asking us to encourage people to register, but where is the money to sustain this initiative? What measures are in place to ensure its success?” he asked. Kibagendi also pointed out the huge pending bills inherited from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which SHA had not settled.
Despite the criticism, Kimtai and Mohamed defended the initiative, emphasizing the need to educate citizens on its benefits. Speaking at the MPs’ mid-term retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Mohamed revealed that while Taifa Care had registered 22 million Kenyans, only four million were active contributors. He attributed the low engagement to inadequate sensitization and financial difficulties.
“We are calling on you as leaders to take this message to your constituents. Your endorsement and active involvement are critical to bridging the gap between the government and the people,” Mohamed urged.
Kimtai described SHA as a transformative initiative aimed at easing the healthcare burden on vulnerable populations. “This is about equity in health services. We are counting on your leadership to make this vision a reality,” he told MPs.
SHA Acting CEO Robert Ingasira acknowledged the challenges in communication and outreach but called on legislators to support the program. He assured them that service gaps were being addressed and that SHA remained committed to registering more Kenyans.
