Education Cabinet Secretary Julias Ogamba and presidential advisor Moses Kuria have called on Kenyans to dismiss misinformation from critics and register with the Social Health Authority (SHA). Speaking on Thursday, the two leaders accused some politicians of spreading falsehoods about the program’s benefits, thereby jeopardizing its ability to improve access to healthcare for ordinary citizens.
Ogamba and Kuria highlighted that wealthy leaders, who can afford world-class medical care, are deliberately misleading Kenyans, leaving vulnerable individuals to face the harsh realities of inadequate healthcare.
“Sickness is a personal issue, just like the medical bills that come with it. If you choose to follow propaganda from individuals who can fly abroad for treatment, you are on your own,” said Kuria. He further criticized detractors who, he claimed, are undermining government efforts to promote healthcare equity.
Kuria drew parallels between SHA and traditional harambee (community fundraising), emphasizing that SHA allows individuals to support those they may never meet. He shared his experience, revealing that his contribution had increased from KSh 1,700 to KSh 27,000, enabling him to assist more people.
During the event in Likoni, Mombasa, CS Ogamba launched the Taifacare Express School Edition, a health program targeting all 15 million learners in primary and secondary schools. He described the initiative as a transformative upgrade from the EduAfya program, which previously catered only to secondary school students.
“This Taifacare program is designed to protect families from the high costs of healthcare by providing preventive and promotive health services for learners,” Ogamba said.
By enrolling children in Taifacare, parents ensure their dependents receive regular health screenings, vaccinations, and hygiene promotion services, thereby reducing school absenteeism and fostering academic success. Ogamba noted that the program aims to lower healthcare costs, alleviate poverty, and improve children’s future prospects.
The CS emphasized that parents play a critical role in the program by providing initial registration data for embedding learners’ details. He also commended the Mombasa County government for its collaboration in advancing SHA initiatives.
Ogamba urged Kenyans to focus on the long-term benefits of SHA rather than be swayed by misleading narratives. “SHA is a commitment to reducing poverty and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all,” he said, urging citizens to register and support the government’s healthcare agenda.
This bold initiative underscores the government’s commitment to universal health coverage and equitable access to healthcare for all Kenyans.
