NARC Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua has strongly criticized the government for its handling of the Social Health Authority (SHA), warning that the move could jeopardize Kenya’s healthcare system and national assets.
In a press conference held in Nairobi on November 28, 2024, Karua accused the government of undermining the healthcare system by dismantling the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in favor of SHA.
She argued that this shift has placed an increased financial burden on Kenyans through higher taxation and is leading to widespread confusion over the new system.
“Our health system is on the brink of collapse due to inadequate funding. The chaotic dismantling of a working system, the NHIF, and forcing upon Kenyans the SHIF/SHA which they cannot even comprehend is a grave injustice,” Karua stated.
She further highlighted the financial implications of SHA, noting that under the NHIF, individuals contributed a flat fee of Sh500 per person. In contrast, SHA demands 2.75% of earnings from workers, which Karua claimed is unsustainable for many families already struggling to access basic healthcare.
“This is eroding access to quality healthcare. We have witnessed suffering, death, and impoverishment of families as they struggle to get their loved ones the care they need,” Karua added.
Karua attributed the challenges faced by families to the government’s implementation of the new Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system, which she believes has exacerbated the health and financial crises for many Kenyans.
Her comments come just days after President William Ruto addressed concerns regarding UHC, assuring the public that the government would review the program to resolve issues raised by Kenyans.
Speaking on November 16, 2024, President Ruto emphasized that healthcare is a fundamental right and promised to rectify any challenges faced in the implementation of the UHC system.
“I want to assure Kenyans and the bishops that we will rectify the issues they have pointed out because UHC will make sure no citizen is left behind,” President Ruto said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making UHC effective.
The President also addressed concerns regarding SHA, questioning why some Kenyans were criticizing the system without having registered for it. He pointed out that those who had not enrolled had no basis to claim the system was not working.
Further, President Ruto assured the public that all pending health claims under SHA would be settled within a week, citing the efficiency of the system, which he attributed to the recently enacted Digital Health Act.
The government’s aim, he explained, is to ensure that medical facilities have the necessary resources to provide quality healthcare.