NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lashed out at the government over what he termed the “hasty and dysfunctional” transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), recently rebranded as Taifa Care by President William Ruto.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday evening, Gachagua described the rollout as poorly planned and financially dubious, alleging it was driven by ulterior motives.
“The shift from NHIF to Taifa Care was rushed without sufficient justification,” Gachagua said, claiming the overhaul cost taxpayers over Ksh.104 billion, compared to the estimated Ksh.700 million to Ksh.800 million needed to upgrade NHIF’s existing system.
Gachagua, ousted as deputy president in October through impeachment, did not mince his words, labeling the program “pure theft of public funds.”
He accused President Ruto’s administration of prioritizing profit over the well-being of Kenyans.
“My very honest view is that the rush was about the money. The focus is the Ksh.104 billion,” he said, implying conflicts of interest among individuals involved in the program’s design and rollout.
The SHA requires Kenyans to contribute 2.75% of their income, with a minimum of Ksh.300, a move Gachagua said has been met with public resistance.
Members of the NHIF were automatically transferred to the new scheme without prior consent, sparking outrage.
Gachagua accused the government of strong-arming citizens into the new system through coercive policies, such as linking SHA registration to access to education and other public services.
“If the program is genuinely beneficial, people would willingly join it,” he said. “Instead, we see intimidation, and patients are suffering due to poor service delivery. This is unacceptable.”
He also criticized the government for disregarding public concerns, pointing to complaints about reduced benefits and barriers to accessing healthcare under the new system.
Despite the criticism, President Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa have staunchly defended Taifa Care, urging Kenyans to be patient as the program transitions. Barasa acknowledged challenges in community sensitization, calling on political leaders to encourage enrollment.
During his State of the Nation address on November 21, Ruto emphasized the scheme’s long-term benefits, claiming over 15 million Kenyans had already enrolled.
He touted Taifa Care as a game-changer in achieving universal health coverage.
“Once fully operational, Taifa Care will guarantee dignity, peace of mind, and equitable access for every citizen, marking a historic milestone in our 60 years of independence,” Ruto said.
The Council of Governors (COG) has also criticized the rollout, accusing the national government of sidelining counties in implementing SHA.
Meanwhile, Gachagua distanced himself from the program, saying he was excluded from its conceptualization during his tenure as deputy president.
He alleged his impeachment was politically motivated, rooted in his opposition to policies he deemed harmful to Kenyans.
“I paid a heavy price for standing with the people,” Gachagua said. “But I would rather lose power than betray the trust of Kenyans.”
Speaking during an interview on Sunday evening, Gachagua described the rollout as poorly planned and financially dubious, alleging it was driven by ulterior motives.
“The shift from NHIF to Taifa Care was rushed without sufficient justification,” Gachagua said, claiming the overhaul cost taxpayers over Ksh.104 billion, compared to the estimated Ksh.700 million to Ksh.800 million needed to upgrade NHIF’s existing system.
Gachagua, ousted as deputy president in October through impeachment, did not mince his words, labeling the program “pure theft of public funds.”
He accused President Ruto’s administration of prioritizing profit over the well-being of Kenyans.
“My very honest view is that the rush was about the money. The focus is the Ksh.104 billion,” he said, implying conflicts of interest among individuals involved in the program’s design and rollout.
The SHA requires Kenyans to contribute 2.75% of their income, with a minimum of Ksh.300, a move Gachagua said has been met with public resistance.
Members of the NHIF were automatically transferred to the new scheme without prior consent, sparking outrage.
Gachagua accused the government of strong-arming citizens into the new system through coercive policies, such as linking SHA registration to access to education and other public services.
“If the program is genuinely beneficial, people would willingly join it,” he said. “Instead, we see intimidation, and patients are suffering due to poor service delivery. This is unacceptable.”
He also criticized the government for disregarding public concerns, pointing to complaints about reduced benefits and barriers to accessing healthcare under the new system.
Despite the criticism, President Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa have staunchly defended Taifa Care, urging Kenyans to be patient as the program transitions. Barasa acknowledged challenges in community sensitization, calling on political leaders to encourage enrollment.
During his State of the Nation address on November 21, Ruto emphasized the scheme’s long-term benefits, claiming over 15 million Kenyans had already enrolled.
He touted Taifa Care as a game-changer in achieving universal health coverage.
“Once fully operational, Taifa Care will guarantee dignity, peace of mind, and equitable access for every citizen, marking a historic milestone in our 60 years of independence,” Ruto said.
The Council of Governors (COG) has also criticized the rollout, accusing the national government of sidelining counties in implementing SHA.
Meanwhile, Gachagua distanced himself from the program, saying he was excluded from its conceptualization during his tenure as deputy president.
He alleged his impeachment was politically motivated, rooted in his opposition to policies he deemed harmful to Kenyans.
“I paid a heavy price for standing with the people,” Gachagua said. “But I would rather lose power than betray the trust of Kenyans.”
