The Social Health Authority (SHA), a key initiative by the Kenyan government aimed at revolutionizing healthcare access, has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mulongo, recognizing the critical need for accurate information dissemination, has recently turned to Members of Parliament (MPs) to help change the public’s perception and address widespread misinformation. This approach could be pivotal in overcoming the hurdles faced in rolling out the SHA effectively.
The SHA aims to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to all Kenyans, a vision that aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030. However, as Dr. Mulongo noted during a recent joint Speakers’ Kamukunji meeting with MPs Moses Wetang’ula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate), the scheme has faced significant challenges, primarily due to misinformation that has led to public doubt and resistance. “Widespread misinformation has pushed the public to have doubts and shun registration,” she remarked, underscoring the urgency to correct misconceptions.
The engagement with MPs was designed to tackle these concerns head-on. Dr. Mulongo, accompanied by senior ministry officials, subjected herself to a rigorous interrogation by Members of Parliament who posed every conceivable question about SHA. This openness and transparency were crucial, allowing the Health CS to provide credible explanations and clarify doubts. The session highlighted not just the challenges SHA faces but also the resolve of the government to address them systematically.
The Minister’s plea to MPs was not merely to be passive listeners but to actively engage with their constituencies to help spread accurate information. Dr. Mulongo’s call for MPs to support the government in explaining the scheme could significantly boost public confidence. She noted that MPs are well-placed to debunk myths, particularly those propagated on social media, where misinformation is rampant. This includes correcting the false narrative that registration for SHA requires a fee, which in fact is free of charge. “Many of those seeking medical services try last-minute registration, some lack required documentation or have not registered their dependants,” Dr. Mulongo explained, emphasizing the need for more effective communication.
The Health CS acknowledged that SHA is a massive undertaking and, as with any major health initiative, there are teething problems. However, she expressed confidence that these hurdles are surmountable with the right strategies and public support. The significance of MPs in this process cannot be overstated. Their endorsement and proactive role in promoting SHA to their constituents could dispel doubts and encourage wider participation.
The session with MPs also underscored the importance of ongoing sensitization efforts. Senate Speaker Kingi and National Assembly Speaker Wetang’ula recognized that public resistance to SHA partly stems from inadequate sensitization. They highlighted the need for leaders to actively explain the benefits and process of SHA to avoid misinformation. Kingi noted, “When you see the public refusing to register, claiming they are being asked to pay a certain amount of money and yet registration is free, it means we have some work to do as their informed representatives.” This realization has prompted MPs to take on a more proactive role, using their platforms to disseminate accurate information about SHA.
The tangible results of these efforts are already becoming apparent. According to Dr. Mulongo, 9.8 million Kenyans have already migrated to the SHA, demonstrating significant progress despite the challenges. The Ministry of Health is now focused on refining the registration process and addressing the concerns of late registrants, including those who do not have the required documentation or have not registered their dependants. “If the public can be convinced to register willingly, most of the other glitches will be smoothed out,” Dr. Mulongo noted.
The Cabinet Secretary’s analogy of SHA’s progress likened it to a plane that has faced turbulence but is now above the clouds and steering steadily toward its destination—affordable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans. This optimism, backed by the support of MPs and other stakeholders, should give Kenyans confidence in SHA’s ability to meet its objectives.
In conclusion, the involvement of MPs in the SHA rollout is crucial. Their role in correcting misinformation and explaining the scheme’s benefits can significantly alter public perception. As Dr. Mulongo emphasized, “This is not just an AI-generated programme, a computer will give you what you feed it; if you don’t register, you are not captured and therefore you don’t get the service.” By bridging the information gap and fostering trust in SHA, MPs can help ensure that the initiative is successful in its quest to transform healthcare access in Kenya.
