Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) and Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, has urged Kenyans to maintain hope in the government’s commitment to implementing key development projects, despite mounting criticism. Speaking at Soweto Catholic Church in Embakasi East, where he accompanied President William Ruto for a Mass service, Ichung’wah addressed concerns about the pace of government reforms and the delivery of promised services.
His remarks come at a time when the government faces significant public scrutiny over its inability to fulfill several key campaign promises, most notably the pledge to ease the cost of living. The criticisms have been particularly vocal from religious leaders, including Catholic bishops, who last week accused the government of fostering a “culture of lies,” citing the slow pace of policy changes and unmet promises.
However, Ichung’wah sought to reassure Kenyans, emphasizing that the current administration has been in office for just two years. He urged patience, stressing that the government is still working on fulfilling its campaign pledges, albeit at a slower pace than expected. “It may take time, but the government is determined to deliver,” Ichung’wah remarked, appealing to the public to remain hopeful and supportive of the ongoing efforts.
The MP’s comments underline a key challenge for the Ruto administration: bridging the gap between campaign promises and public expectations. In his view, the frustrations of Kenyans, particularly regarding the high cost of living, are valid. However, he argued that change takes time, and the government remains steadfast in its plans to address these issues through various developmental projects.
A critical part of the government’s plan to improve the well-being of Kenyans is the recently launched Social Health Authority (SHA), which is set to revolutionize the country’s health insurance system. The SHA, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on October 1, 2024, is tasked with managing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which promises enhanced health insurance coverage. This move is central to President Ruto’s goal of achieving universal health coverage for all Kenyans.
Ichung’wah urged Kenyans to embrace this new health system, pointing out that the SHA is designed to cater to all medical expenses, a key component of the government’s push for better healthcare accessibility. He specifically appealed to citizens not to wait until they fall ill to register for the SHA. “You don’t need to wait until you’re sick to confirm that SHA works,” he said, emphasizing the importance of registering early to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage.
The Social Health Authority’s implementation is part of the broader agenda to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses on ordinary Kenyans, particularly as the country grapples with the high costs of healthcare. According to the Ministry of Health, over 13.8 million Kenyans have already registered with SHA, a promising start towards achieving universal health coverage. The government is optimistic that by the end of the year, all eligible Kenyans, including their dependents, will be registered and fully covered by SHIF.
Governor Johnston Sakaja of Nairobi, also present at the Mass, echoed Ichung’wah’s sentiments, calling on Kenyans to take full advantage of the new health system and support the government’s initiatives for the betterment of public health. The government is encouraging citizens to embrace the SHA to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better health services.
In conclusion, while the government faces significant criticism over its performance in certain areas, leaders like Ichung’wah are urging patience and trust. With the introduction of reforms like SHA, the administration hopes to lay the foundation for lasting improvements in healthcare and other vital sectors, ensuring that Kenyans can reap the benefits in the long run. The call for unity and support for these policies remains crucial as the government continues its efforts to meet the needs of the population.
