NAIROBI, Kenya- In a bid to revolutionize healthcare access for the informal sector, the Nairobi City County Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate cooperative and SACCO members into the Social Health Insurance (SHA) program.
This initiative aims to widen health coverage for the city’s most underserved populations while addressing long-standing challenges in health insurance adoption.
With Nairobi hosting over 60pc of Kenya’s cooperatives and SACCOs, the County sees these organized groups as vital to expanding health coverage.
Dr. Anastasia Nyalita, Nairobi County Executive for Business and Hustler Opportunities, emphasized the sector’s role during a capacity-building workshop in Machakos.
“This innovative approach designates cooperative members as premium remitting entities for the SHA program,” she explained. “By doing so, we anticipate extending health coverage to over 500,000 households, ensuring access to critical medical services for vulnerable communities.”
The strategy leverages SACCOs’ established structures, making it easier to enroll informal sector workers, who often face barriers to accessing traditional health insurance schemes.
The initiative focuses on key sectors within Nairobi’s informal economy, including Matatu operators, Boda Boda riders, informal food vendors (Mama Bonga), artisans (Jua Kali), and Mitumba traders.
These groups form the backbone of the city’s economy but often lack formal health coverage.
Chief Officer for Cooperatives George Mutiso highlighted the program’s inclusive nature: “By addressing unique challenges faced by the informal sector, we aim to create a sustainable model that bridges the gap between healthcare access and affordability.”
This health insurance drive signals Nairobi County’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more equitable future.
Dr. Nyalita expressed optimism that the initiative could serve as a model for other counties, setting a precedent for innovative healthcare solutions.
“Our goal is to ensure no resident is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services,” she concluded.
