Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has publicly criticized Members of Parliament (MPs) for what he calls a hypocritical stance regarding the new medical insurance scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Speaking in Chwele, Lusaka pointed out the inconsistency in the actions of the same MPs who had initially approved the scheme in Parliament but were now voicing their concerns about its implementation.
The SHIF, part of a comprehensive overhaul of Kenya’s healthcare system, was approved by both Houses of Parliament with little opposition. It was designed to address the gaps left by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and introduce a more sustainable and inclusive health financing mechanism. However, several MPs have recently criticized the scheme, particularly in public forums and funerals, claiming that it is unworkable. This, Lusaka believes, reflects a blatant contradiction, given that these MPs were among those who voted in favor of the bills that introduced the SHIF.
“It is very hypocritical that the same leaders who approved the medical scheme are now claiming it is unworkable,” said Lusaka. His remarks underscore a broader frustration with political leaders who, after supporting policies in Parliament, later shift their stance when it is politically convenient to do so.
The Governor expressed his disappointment that the lawmakers, who are trusted to legislate and shape public policy, were now presenting themselves as uninformed about the scheme’s workings. He urged MPs to take responsibility for their actions and lead by example. Lusaka further emphasized that their role should be to educate their constituents about the benefits of the scheme, especially among the less-educated populations, rather than spreading misinformation that could lead to public confusion.
“It is crucial for leaders to use their influence to dispel the misinformation surrounding the scheme,” Lusaka said, stressing that many Kenyans still faced prohibitive healthcare costs, making insurance an essential tool for safeguarding families’ health. The Social Health Insurance Fund aims to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their income level, have access to affordable healthcare services.
The governor also urged MPs to use the appropriate legislative channels to address any genuine concerns about the SHIF. Rather than publicly criticizing the scheme without offering solutions, he encouraged them to propose amendments through the parliamentary process. This would ensure that any flaws in the system could be rectified in a structured and transparent manner, rather than allowing partisan bickering to overshadow the health needs of Kenyans.
One key issue that Lusaka highlighted is the low uptake of the SHIF in the Western region, including Bungoma County. This is in stark contrast to regions such as Central Kenya, where registration rates have been higher. He attributed this discrepancy to a combination of lack of awareness and misinformation about the scheme’s benefits. Lusaka called on local leaders to avoid politicizing healthcare and to instead promote the scheme’s advantages, especially in marginalized regions.
In his criticism, the governor also alluded to the broader challenges in Kenya’s healthcare system. The SHIF is part of a package of reforms that includes the Social Health Insurance Bill, the Primary Health Care Bill, the Facility Improvement Financing Bill, and the Digital Health Bill. These bills, which were signed into law by President William Ruto on October 17, 2023, are part of a strategic effort to address the shortcomings of the NHIF and improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare across the country.
The new legislation is aimed at enhancing Kenya’s healthcare financing model by expanding health insurance coverage and tackling issues such as underfunding and inefficiency within the NHIF. It is a bold move to tackle the longstanding challenges that have plagued Kenya’s healthcare system, with the hope of providing equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens.
However, for the scheme to succeed, it will require the cooperation of both political and civic leaders. Lusaka’s call to MPs to cease their public criticism and instead engage in meaningful dialogue and reform is an appeal for accountability and constructive participation in the process of improving Kenya’s health system.
As the SHIF rolls out, it is crucial that Kenyan leaders focus on the long-term benefits of universal healthcare, ensuring that the reforms introduced in Parliament continue to have a positive impact on citizens’ health and well-being.
