Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has stepped up to defend the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) amidst growing criticism from various quarters. Addressing Murang’a residents during a tour to inspect development projects, Wahome underscored the importance of embracing the new health system, while acknowledging the technical issues hindering its smooth rollout.
Wahome sought to dispel what she termed as propaganda aimed at discrediting SHA, urging Kenyans to give the system a chance. She contrasted the challenges faced by SHA to those experienced under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), pointing out inefficiencies in the older system.
“Under NHIF, pre-authorization for healthcare services was not automatic and could take up to three days before a patient was allowed to access services. Moreover, a lot of funds under NHIF were unaccounted for,” Wahome stated.
She reassured residents that the government is actively addressing SHA’s teething problems and is committed to ensuring the system operates efficiently. “Registration is free. Let people register and then hold the government accountable to make sure it works well,” she added.
Encouraging Registration and Rallying Support
Wahome revealed that over 20 million Kenyans have already registered with SHA and are currently accessing health services under the system. She emphasized the need for more citizens to enroll, highlighting the government’s proactive steps to mitigate the existing challenges.
The Health Ministry, in October, allocated KSh 9 billion to the Social Health Authority to ease financial strains on health facilities, including KSh 1 billion earmarked for the Linda Mama program, which supports maternal healthcare.
Wahome also used the platform to rally the Mt Kenya region behind government policies and initiatives. She urged residents and leaders to set aside political grievances and support the administration’s developmental agenda.
“Where we are now is a critical point. This region played a key role in forming the government, and we need to continue standing behind it to ensure it actualizes its plans,” she said.
The former Kandara MP, who was serving her third term before being appointed to the Cabinet, called on civil servants to focus on service delivery. She stressed the importance of implementing President William Ruto’s pledges to Kenyans, noting that the burden should not rest solely on his shoulders.
Addressing Regional Disquiet
The Mt Kenya region has been grappling with dissatisfaction attributed to heightened taxation and an unfavorable business climate. The situation has been further complicated by the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a development that has deepened political divisions in the region.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu expressed concern over the performance of SHA, suggesting that the government should consider reverting to NHIF due to the difficulties Kenyans have faced while seeking treatment. He also highlighted the discontent in Mt Kenya over Gachagua’s impeachment but stressed the need for the government to complete pending development projects.
A Call for Unity
Wahome’s plea to the residents of Murang’a and Mt Kenya comes at a time when the region’s support for the administration is being tested. She reiterated the need for unity and collective effort to overcome the challenges facing the region and the nation at large.
“The government’s success depends on our unwavering support and active participation. The time for politics will come, but for now, let’s focus on service delivery,” Wahome concluded.
Her sentiments reflect the government’s broader push to win public confidence in SHA, even as questions persist over its implementation and efficiency. Whether the administration can deliver on its promises remains to be seen, but for now, Wahome is urging Kenyans to give the system a fighting chance.
