NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will clear all October claims by next week as part of his government’s commitment to universal healthcare.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, Ruto emphasized that free primary healthcare is now more accessible at healthcare centers across the country.
“SHA will pay all October claims in full by next week, and this will continue consistently into the future,” the President assured.
Ruto hailed the SHA model as a transformative approach to achieving healthcare for all, regardless of financial status, terming it a “revolutionary” shift.
He criticized the existing healthcare system for neglecting the vulnerable and trapping many families in financial ruin due to medical bills.
“For far too long, too many households have been one illness away from financial catastrophe,” Ruto lamented, adding that his government aims to correct this inequity through Taifa Care, a universal healthcare initiative.
The President outlined several key reforms underpinning the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.
He explained that the NHIF was limited to salaried individuals and those who could afford private coverage, leaving millions of Kenyans uninsured.
“In contrast, Taifa Care will provide healthcare for all Kenyans, regardless of employment status,” he said.
Ruto also highlighted the inefficiencies and financial strain associated with the NHIF, noting that it had accumulated billions in debt due to mismatched contributions and healthcare costs.
Taifa Care, he assured, has rectified this by accurately costing healthcare services to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
“Additionally, unlike NHIF, which imposed a waiting period before coverage became active, Taifa Care provides immediate eligibility upon registration,” Ruto added.
The President urged Kenyans to register for SHA, revealing that over 15 million citizens had already signed up.
He assured them that the transition from NHIF to SHA would bring dignity, peace of mind, and equitable healthcare services for all.
“This agenda is not just a promise; it is a bold commitment,” Ruto said, emphasizing the integration of digital systems to enhance efficiency, curb fraud, and empower healthcare workers.
As the SHA takes center stage in the country’s healthcare transformation, Ruto expressed confidence that Kenya is on the path to achieving equitable healthcare for every citizen.
“This is the future of healthcare in Kenya,” he concluded.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, Ruto emphasized that free primary healthcare is now more accessible at healthcare centers across the country.
“SHA will pay all October claims in full by next week, and this will continue consistently into the future,” the President assured.
Ruto hailed the SHA model as a transformative approach to achieving healthcare for all, regardless of financial status, terming it a “revolutionary” shift.
He criticized the existing healthcare system for neglecting the vulnerable and trapping many families in financial ruin due to medical bills.
“For far too long, too many households have been one illness away from financial catastrophe,” Ruto lamented, adding that his government aims to correct this inequity through Taifa Care, a universal healthcare initiative.
The President outlined several key reforms underpinning the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.
He explained that the NHIF was limited to salaried individuals and those who could afford private coverage, leaving millions of Kenyans uninsured.
“In contrast, Taifa Care will provide healthcare for all Kenyans, regardless of employment status,” he said.
Ruto also highlighted the inefficiencies and financial strain associated with the NHIF, noting that it had accumulated billions in debt due to mismatched contributions and healthcare costs.
Taifa Care, he assured, has rectified this by accurately costing healthcare services to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
“Additionally, unlike NHIF, which imposed a waiting period before coverage became active, Taifa Care provides immediate eligibility upon registration,” Ruto added.
The President urged Kenyans to register for SHA, revealing that over 15 million citizens had already signed up.
He assured them that the transition from NHIF to SHA would bring dignity, peace of mind, and equitable healthcare services for all.
“This agenda is not just a promise; it is a bold commitment,” Ruto said, emphasizing the integration of digital systems to enhance efficiency, curb fraud, and empower healthcare workers.
As the SHA takes center stage in the country’s healthcare transformation, Ruto expressed confidence that Kenya is on the path to achieving equitable healthcare for every citizen.
“This is the future of healthcare in Kenya,” he concluded.
